“So Moses told the people, ‘You must be careful to obey all the commands of the LORD your God, following his instructions in every detail. Stay on the path that the LORD your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter and occupy.'” Deuteronomy 5:32-33 NLT
A step above obedience training is commanding a performance in the show ring. Unlike the undivided attention your dog can give you at home, at show there are hundreds of dogs around with crowds of people in narrow walkways and noisy distractions everywhere. Your dog has to sit, stand, trot, and allow a judge to inspect him, all without resistance. It is truly a detailed communication which must pass through the handler to the dog, and it becomes quite evident when the practice time has not been made.
One of the first rules to follow is that the dog is the star. The handler’s presence should almost drift from your mind. And to emphasize his importance, the dog moves along the center of the course while the handler parallels his gait, but off to the side.
God’s commands also become increasingly natural to follow if we listen and practice them over and over again. He guides us along the path He has designed for his purposes. And He accompanies us through the journey with rewards on earth and in heaven.
Father, show me the path that I must follow in order to serve You with my whole heart, body, and mind.
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