Dreams and Dogs...
1. A dream
So, this is somewhat risky to share, allowing you a window into my subconscious mind, but I had a very vivid dream on Monday night, which I thought I would share with you. In this dream, I approached a house on the corner of a busy main street. At first it appeared to be a colonial display house, with antique furniture etc., and I thought it was a type of museum. As I went in and went up the stairs to the top floor, it was arranged like a conference room, and someone was coming in about to speak. I sensed that this person was evil in some way, and that they shouldn’t be allowed to share, and somehow, I stopped them. Instead, I made my way around the gathered people, with a bag of diamonds in my hand, and asked each one this question, “Do you feel forgiven?” So many said no, and I then gave them a diamond that was symbolic of God’s free gift of forgiveness and they received them so gratefully.
Was God speaking through this dream? Do I dare an interpretation? This much was clear to me. Many need to receive the good news of God’s forgiveness, and would gratefully receive it, if only we were willing to offer it to them. Perhaps also, the fact that this came in the form of diamonds was supposed to imply that this is something incredibly precious that we have to offer – and that maybe we don’t always realize it, or are hesitant to share. This dream has embedded itself deeply into my mind, and has been the backdrop to this week – as I’m wondering who I’m supposed to give a diamond to.
2. A confession of a crime
Okay, I admit it. I think I technically broke the law this week. But it was for a good cause. Outside our office from 9am, a dog had been left in a car, admittedly with the windows cranked slightly open. I noticed the barking, and then by 11am, when the owner had not returned to the vehicle, I called Orange County Animal Control and told them that I thought this dog was in danger, since temperatures were supposed to be around 80 degrees that day, and dogs can die in cars when it gets that hot. When I came back after lunch I saw that OCAC had come out and had written a type of citation, which was now on the driver’s window, but the dog was still in the car, and I looked inside and saw that it had no water. So, I decided that action was necessary, effected entry into the vehicle (don’t ask how… all you need to know is that I used to work for the British Government, and a twig of just the right size was nearby J ) and got the dog out, brought it up to the office, gave it water etc. I then called the number on the tag, spoke to the owner who had left her beloved puppy in the ‘care’ of her boyfriend. With the help of Hope’s security, I tracked him down, told him off and returned the animal to him, with stern warnings not to do it again.
Was it criminal to break into this car to rescue the dog? I don’t know for sure. I didn’t actually “break” anything – and my compassion for animals compelled me. But therein lies the challenge. God says of us that we are worth “more than many sparrows” (Matt 10:31) and presumably more than many cute puppies too. I am reminded of what it cost him to rescue us (it took a lot more wood than a twig) and am reminded to be grateful this week that God would look upon me, sweltering in the heat of my sin and unforgiveness and do whatever was necessary to rescue me and give me living water. Thank you Jesus.
1. A dream
So, this is somewhat risky to share, allowing you a window into my subconscious mind, but I had a very vivid dream on Monday night, which I thought I would share with you. In this dream, I approached a house on the corner of a busy main street. At first it appeared to be a colonial display house, with antique furniture etc., and I thought it was a type of museum. As I went in and went up the stairs to the top floor, it was arranged like a conference room, and someone was coming in about to speak. I sensed that this person was evil in some way, and that they shouldn’t be allowed to share, and somehow, I stopped them. Instead, I made my way around the gathered people, with a bag of diamonds in my hand, and asked each one this question, “Do you feel forgiven?” So many said no, and I then gave them a diamond that was symbolic of God’s free gift of forgiveness and they received them so gratefully.
Was God speaking through this dream? Do I dare an interpretation? This much was clear to me. Many need to receive the good news of God’s forgiveness, and would gratefully receive it, if only we were willing to offer it to them. Perhaps also, the fact that this came in the form of diamonds was supposed to imply that this is something incredibly precious that we have to offer – and that maybe we don’t always realize it, or are hesitant to share. This dream has embedded itself deeply into my mind, and has been the backdrop to this week – as I’m wondering who I’m supposed to give a diamond to.
2. A confession of a crime
Okay, I admit it. I think I technically broke the law this week. But it was for a good cause. Outside our office from 9am, a dog had been left in a car, admittedly with the windows cranked slightly open. I noticed the barking, and then by 11am, when the owner had not returned to the vehicle, I called Orange County Animal Control and told them that I thought this dog was in danger, since temperatures were supposed to be around 80 degrees that day, and dogs can die in cars when it gets that hot. When I came back after lunch I saw that OCAC had come out and had written a type of citation, which was now on the driver’s window, but the dog was still in the car, and I looked inside and saw that it had no water. So, I decided that action was necessary, effected entry into the vehicle (don’t ask how… all you need to know is that I used to work for the British Government, and a twig of just the right size was nearby J ) and got the dog out, brought it up to the office, gave it water etc. I then called the number on the tag, spoke to the owner who had left her beloved puppy in the ‘care’ of her boyfriend. With the help of Hope’s security, I tracked him down, told him off and returned the animal to him, with stern warnings not to do it again.
Was it criminal to break into this car to rescue the dog? I don’t know for sure. I didn’t actually “break” anything – and my compassion for animals compelled me. But therein lies the challenge. God says of us that we are worth “more than many sparrows” (Matt 10:31) and presumably more than many cute puppies too. I am reminded of what it cost him to rescue us (it took a lot more wood than a twig) and am reminded to be grateful this week that God would look upon me, sweltering in the heat of my sin and unforgiveness and do whatever was necessary to rescue me and give me living water. Thank you Jesus.
posted by Glyn Norman at 6:07 PM
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