Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
What did you think of when you read the word mental?
My first response is “going mental” or mental illness. But there are more: mental anguish, mental block, mental gymnastics, and mental stimulation, to name a few.
Today I came up against two of these conflicting mental combinations – mental health and mental stimulation.
This is my Aussiedoodle, Meg:
She is 7 1/2 months old. She is super smart, sound sensitive, and highly reactive. I, on the other hand, am depressed, anxious, and mostly a couch potato. Meggy needs mental stimulation. We had a training session today and she was pulling on the leash, jumping up on the trainer, and trying to pull up plants and chase birds. Mind you we had taken her and her brother through puppy training. I felt like a complete failure as a dog mom.
The answer is the same for both of us. We both need transformation by renewing our mind. My path may include taking care of my health and spending time in the word, while hers will take daily training and exercise. Taking care of her will benefit me and taking care of me will benefit her.
She is bright enough, that even if I feel like I’ve fallen too far behind in training, with consistency she will be able to come around.
That concept is one to hold onto in life. It’s never too late.
Grace & Peace,
Sandy
The Far Reaches of Grace 