I want to share a story with you today about our ducks, our dog and born instinct.

I know, I know, when you read that first sentence you automatically flash to visions of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and the predator/prey chase scenes. You can almost envision the slow motion catch can’t you?

This story has a twist though, it’s called Master’s Voice. This is a true story and I want you to think of your Christian walk as you read it.

When we first got our ducks they were helpless babies, needing the security of a pen and heat lamp. We kept them inside where it was nice and safe. It was also very limited in allowing exploration of what would be normal, outdoor surroundings. As they have gotten bigger they needed to be taken outside in small time increments to get used to eating bugs, vegetation and to practice their swimming lessons. We kept them close to us to prevent them from getting hurt and to steer them from the dangers of the outside world. The biggest danger of all was Sam, our dog.

This is really his story.

Sam, a dog, is born with natural instincts. He wants to run, chase things, bark, gnaw on things he is not supposed to. Given free reign he has to make simple choices. Because he is a dog and does not see things as they are, he has to listen to his master’s voice to prevent him from the danger of chewing of electrical cords or chasing a car out in the street. He does not see these as dangers, he sees them as fun.  His natural instinct is to enjoy these things and really, what other dog would blame him?

As we have been introducing the ducks to the yard, his curiosity is overwhelming. These look like fun!! He has been kept on a leash as the ducklings parade in front of him. Small tugs on the leash would remind him when he seemed to get over anxious.

Then came the test.

The ducks were set free in the yard and he was left off his leash. He stood for a moment still and watchful beside me, remembering the chastising that he had received before. But then his born instinct took over, the temptation to chase these walking squeak toys was too great. He bounded, leaped and barked as he began to chase them.

He then heard his master’s voice telling him “no”

It went against every instinct that he had for having fun. Besides what would be the harm in chasing these ducks? He was born to do this. He looked back for a moment and continued to chase them.

He again heard his master’s voice telling him “no”

He was too wrapped up in his own fun and enjoyment to listen any longer.

Then it happened.

One of the ducks reached out and pecked his nose. Sam recoiled in light pain and surprise. Where had the fun gone?

He slinked back to my side and laid at my feet, whining a little. I reached down and petted his head lightly and stayed where I was, giving him another opportunity to learn on his own. The ducks began to quack again and wander the yard. His instinct began to swell in him once again. He leaped up from my feet and made it halfway to the ducks.

He heard his master’s voice tell him “No”

This time he stopped and sat and watched from my feet as the ducks played. He learned to trust my voice as not stopping his fun but preventing him from getting hurt. He wiggled and wagged at the delight of pleasing me and I reached down and gave him the coveted ear rub and told him the words he lives for.

Good boy.

He forgot the pleasure of chasing the ducks as a greater pleasure of pleasing me took over him.

Does this sound familiar?

Categories: children