laser eyes....

So Naughty really doesn't like her feet messed with, especially her toe nails.  A hound's nails can grow quite quickly, particularly when all a certain hound does is sleep!  I usually make the hour long trek once a month to get Naughty's nails done at our Vet.  Our last trip ended quite awful--embarrassing to say the least!  As I sat in the waiting area I could hear her in the back room snarling and sassing at the people trying to perform her doggie pedicure.  After trying to bite off various technician's fingers, and, I'm certain, even the Veterinarian's face, she was secured in a kennel in the holding area.  I'm not sure what the point of her incarceration was, but let me tell you--no one puts Naughty in a cage.  She hasn't been in a cage since the day we rescued her from one.  Needless to say her fuse burned short that day, and she put on quite a dynamic display! Barking, howling, snarling…the works.  As soon as I realized what was happening I kindly asked that she be removed from her puppy prison and brought to me.  Once I was in her sight, her mood calmed and her fireworks frizzled. I lowered my head in complete embarrassment as I slunk out the door, my 4 legged convict in tow.  Naughty quickly retreated to the very back seat in the van and proceeded to burn holes in the back of my head with her laser eyes the entire ride home.

With this ruination of the good thing we had going with the vet doing a puppy pedicure, Naughty's feet have been quite neglected.  This is mainly out of concern for the safety of the not-so-fortunate Vet Tech that may get Naughty's number the day we show up! (And it may have just a tad to do with the fact my face still turns red just thinking of having to walk back in the door there!)  Wayne has been attempting to sneak a couple trims a night, and has been quite successful.  Of course she has caught on to his sneakiness, and tonight, reignited her dynamite!  She proceeded with her fine display right there on the living room couch.  And this time it was MY fingers, and Wayne's face!  If she would only realize it's for her own good.  Her nails are growing so fast they had started to curl.  It has to be uncomfortable.  But she continues to fight, kick, and snarl the whole way.  Naturally, hearing the horrific howling and crying, and being kicked and snapped at,  I just want Wayne to stop.  Make it stop.  But I know we need to continue to help her feet feel better. She isn't being hurt in any way.  She is just uncomfortable.  In a vulnerable position.  And, bottom line--she simply doesn’t like it! 

I find it heart-wrenching to watch a friend, spouse, or co-worker go through a time of discomfort, a period of vulnerability.  A trial. I believe the hardest thing is being a mom  watching any of your kids struggle through something, to have to find their way.  I'm a "fixer".  I like to think there is a fix to every situation so no one hurts.  It's difficult to explain to the "trial sufferer" that the correct thing to do is to persevere, to stay strong through whatever it is coming at them.  We tell them (and ourselves) to pray about it, remind them (and ourselves) of applicable scripture, and encourage them to do what is right and pleasing to God. And yes, I am even guilty of telling my boys to "Suck it UP!". Along the road of whatever trial they are facing, we watch as they hurt, we spend nights laying awake praying. As I type these words, I find myself struggling through them. I tell my children these truths--but inside I'm wanting to jump in like Wonder Woman and kick the snot out of whatever or whoever is the source of their grief! I want to Make. It. Stop.

But God says He has a purpose in these trials.  "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. "  James 1:2-4   He also tells us we aren't alone through any of it.  In our own trials, in helping others through theirs. Encouraging our kids through life, sitting with a struggling friend over a cup of coffee, messaging through the darkness late at night with a friend in need. We just have to ask.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  Isaiah 43:2   So we certainly don't need to whip out our Wonder Woman outfit and golden lasso and Make. It. Stop. We shouldn't want to. We should trust God knows what is best for us, for our friend, for our kids, spouse.  He sees a much bigger picture.  We should trust that He has purpose in whatever is going on at the time. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6  I'm not saying it's always the easiest thing to do!   Sometimes it's hard to stay the path and to persevere --especially in the midst of a trial….or a nail trimming episode.  As for Naughty--she only needs four or five more nails done to have her pedicure complete.  Praying Wayne and I keep all of our fingers and facial features intact.  I am pretty sure she will not be making the trek to the Vet for a while--- I really don't think Doc misses her… yet…

"And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."  Romans 5:2b-4.