Stray Dogs and Scarred Hearts

As I was washing dishes today, I heard my army of dogs, in their special way, saying "Hello!  Anybody in there?  Something's not right out here!"  We have fowl.  We have coyotes.  The dogs usually only act this way when a coyote has come to snoop.  My eldest child looked out and saw an unidentifiable dog, appearing to be a mix of some sort.   So, in concern for my fowl, I released one of the army.  The army charged in the direction and rolled the poor visiting snoop.  He ran.  He came back with help.  This time there were two of them.  My same loose army man went after them both this time, rolling the same one as before while the other fled the scene.

I used to do animal rescue so I have a soft spot for strays, so much so that at one point there were 15, YES! 15! dogs here. (I was insane, briefly, but insane none the less)  My first thought was "Oh those poor creatures need help".  So, I got in the car, followed them and called them.  They kept on booking it down the road and through the woods.  Oh well, they made their choice.  They ran from what very well could have helped them.

Why, however, do we feel the need to fix everything around us?  I think this pertains to lots of mothers in particular.  How many times have you seen a stray dog, cat or child in need of love and just wanted to scoop it up and shower them with affection?  Have you ever had your child come up to you and say "Why can't I have just one good friend?"  What emotions did that evoke in your own heart?  What emotions came about as you pondered how they must feel?  This is a question 2 of my children have asked in the past 2 weeks as their "friends" have changed and shown less interest in them.

So being a mom who wants children happy and animals safe,  I began thinking over the people and pets who I could potentially help in my life.  As I pondered I realized the animals were simply a distraction.  It is not right nor necessary to help that (or those) which (who)  flees from the safety and help being offered.  However, when someone comes to you with a broken, scarred heart as my children have, IT IS NECESSARY that all other distractions be put aside in an effort to sincerely help those seeking help.  I cannot imagine the pain they both feel for I have cried for them myself.  It hurts my heart deeply to see my children hurt.  The animals, well, not so much - at least not anywhere near the way it does when my children hurt.

We can help only those who desire the help. All other efforts are wasted and cause our focus to be distracted from those who can benefit the most from what we have to offer.  What or who can you (also read as SHOULD YOU)  refocus on?  Are you helping those who desire help or chasing after the "lost causes"?  Be effective, be efficient, and be epidemic.

Word of the Day  

Effective = prepared and available for service