Meaningful Pointing
By Lexi Ellis
Point me down your highway, God; direct me
along a well-lighted street…”
Psalm 27:11 (MSG)
Two
years ago, we were 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 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 and her husband, Andrew, have
an adorable puppy named Calvin. She teaches sixth grade at Silver Lake
Intermediate School. Lexi serves with Children’s Ministries and is the Fresh
Start Coordinator.
