Calm Down

Our next door neighbors have inherited a dog from one of their relatives and I made the dog's acquaintance yesterday. The little guy is a poodle/cairn terrier mix...which is like putting a caffeine IV in a fools arm. Completely wild with absolutely no sense. The dog was cute and friendly enough, but what intrigued me was the saddle looking thing on his back. His owner explained that he was so hyper that he would literally spin out of control when walked on a lease - flying around, tangling himself, falling over. They bought a "back pack" for him that had pockets on either side to load weights. The weights were enough to keep him walking forward instead of in circles. They had experimented with the weights to find the perfect amount. Too much and his legs went out to the side on a slick floor and too little and he continued his ridiculous gyrations. Kind of like Ritalin for dogs.
I was thinking about the dog and wondered if God uses a similar approach with us. When my two biological daughters were in school I had way too much time and energy on my hands. I worked some, but I could have easily started spinning out of control with so little "weight" on my life. Starting into foster/adoptive care was perfect. I loved the excitement, craziness, places to go and even the work it took to have a big family. God found the perfect balance for my life these 17 years. Although at times I have felt my legs going out to the side He knows how much is enough and picks me up gently when needed. I am hoping someday He finds me capable of walking around without too much extra weight.....maybe if I promise to be real good & quiet! (Actually that sounds completely boring)