I don’t have a child – I have a Chin. An almost-five-year-old, sixteen pound Japanese Chin named Chester. For the uninitiated, a Japanese Chin is a toy spaniel bred to be a lap warmer. His only mission in life is to drape himself over me and prevent me from standing.

Like a child, Chester misbehaves when I am on the phone, and cries to be held when I am busiest. And he can empty my purse quicker than you can say “chew toy.”

He’s not a complex animal. His needs are basic and his preferences obvious. There is not much that is subtle about Chester – including his determined foraging for lipstick and pencils. He likes to devour them both – frequently.

I feed Chester regularly and well – but even so, he continues to hunt for lipsticks and stray pencils. Although he has often been caught red handed with the evidence of his inappropriate snacking, no manner of scolding deters him for long.

In addition to lipsticks and pencils, there was also a rather unfortunate incident that involved several wooden Scrabble tiles, and resulted in a late night trip to the veterinary emergency clinic. As they took him back for x-rays, one of the techs said in a low voice, “Do you think he plays Monopoly, too?” (He doesn’t.)

I am giving Chester all he needs to grow and be well. I offer him treats along with his regular kibble, and he is not deprived of food. Still, he eats stuff that is no good for him. I can see that it is not nutritious – maybe even harmful – but he keeps going back to it, time and time again. Why is that?

I wonder if God doesn’t often look at me the way I look at Chester as he’s trying to hide a tooth-marked lipstick under his paw. (“Oh, no, not again! What does she want that for?”) How can He keep from shaking His head in wonder when I pass by the good food He puts out for me in favor of something that isn’t food at all?

I have my ridiculous “snacks of choice.” You have yours, too. But if we’re God’s – if He really is our Master – why would we keep choosing them over the constant, comforting, nourishing stuff that He provides for us daily? Why would I choose three hours of mind-numbing sitcoms over three hours in His glorious Word? Why would I cram my calendar so full of activity that it would be nearly impossible to hear His still, small voice? And why would I keep returning to an old bad habit if His power is available to me to break it once and for all?

Because like Chester, sometimes I just don’t know how good I have it – and how close I really am to dinner time.

“Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see – how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.” (Psalm 34:8, The Message)

© 2003 Leigh McLeroy