Meaningful Pointing
By
Lexi Ellis
“Point
me down your highway, God; direct me along a well-lighted street…”
Psalm
27:11 (MSG)
We are currently in the
process of training our German Shorthair Pointer puppy, Calvin, to be a hunting
dog. Since the first session with the trainer, walks (and even going outside)
have not been the same. Calvin picks up on all kinds of animal scents - -
birds, squirrels, chipmunks, rodents, even other dogs’ excrement - - and will
immediate take the pointing stance. Pointing is when a hunting dog stops, its
head goes low and sticks out, tail goes up and one front paw curls to
communicate, or point, to where the bird is.
Interestingly, the “pointing
at the little, meaningless things” is very much a phase. As Calvin continues
his training, he’ll learn to distinguish the difference between a hunting bird
and a squirrel. While hunting, he’ll ignore the chipmunks, dog poop and mice
because he understands they’re temporal and worthless. Eventually he’ll learn
the distinction between the little scents and the “meaningful” scents - - the birds Andrew hunts - - that bring him
an even greater delight.
It got me thinking: Have
I learned the distinction between pointing at the meaningless and the
meaningful? How often do I point to the temporal, allowing it to consume my
thoughts and steal my joy? If I’m honest, I think I find myself often pointing
or focused on my pride, my own ability or my reputation. Other times I point at selfishness by
choosing a bad attitude and unkindness. Often, these meaningless things I
devote my time and energy, thoughts and actions to result in missing out on the
privilege of pointing on the meaningful - - the opportunity to be a part of
God’s Plan, to love others and share His redeeming grace.
The question becomes: What
am I pointing at - - the meaningless or the meaningful? While we are free from
a life of guilt and shame, I wonder what time and talent is wasted pointing to
the meaningless that could be spent doing amazing, meaningful things for the
Gospel. Calvin is still learning to distinguish between the meaningless and
meaningful. I’m thankful we have God’s Word and the opportunity to be in
relationship with the Creator of the Universe so we can continually learn to
point to meaningful as well.
GOING DEEPER:
1. Think about the
meaningless and meaningful things you point to.
2. What godly
opportunities are you missing out on because you’re pointing to the
meaningless? What do you need to do to address that? Not sure? Ask our God in
prayer and spend time allowing Him to speak to you through His Word.
FURTHER READING:
Lexi
is married to Andrew and has an adorable puppy named Calvin. She serves with
Oakwood’s Children’s Ministries, teaches at Lake Country
Christian Academy
and is the Fresh Start Coordinator.
