Let Go of the Bone

In the video, Cesar begins to teach Cricket, the dog, a lesson: how to receive and enjoy a bone. First he gives the gift and then lets Cricket go about the business of happily enjoying it. But Cricket’s satisfaction is short lived. He’s overcome by his insecurities so that his fear of loss turns him into a dangerous beast.

This is when Cesar stepped in to help. He stood close to Cricket and waited. He waited until Cricket got so tired of barking and snarling that he couldn’t do it any longer. He didn’t want the bone anymore, he just wanted to recover and lay down before his master in peace.

What the clip doesn’t show is that after Cesar repeated this exercise many times, Cricket finally learned the lesson. When something was given, Cricket could now really enjoy it to the full. When it was taken away, he relinquished it without hesitation. What mattered most was maintaining a spirit of calm submission before the master who loved him.

Paul had to learn this lesson as well. He was stripped of his rights and the freedom he enjoyed and was put under guard in Rome. He wrote to the Philippians, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” It is a lesson we all need to learn as we follow our Master.

What patience the Lord has shown me, as I have often acted just like Cricket standing guard over the many gifts He's given to me. Gifts of marriage, children, time, and health to name a few. Oh, to learn the secret of contentment that brings peace. Philippians 3:8 "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."

Lord, “I am willing to

receive what you send

lack what you withhold

relinquish what you take

suffer what you inflict

be what you require.”

~Jerry Bridges