Beware of the Growl

If you ever come to our front door, it is likely that we will both have an unpleasant initial experience. The snarling and growling you hear on the other side of the door will make you think that you have met your doom. On the opposite side of the wood and hinges, I will have nail marks dug into my side by our four-legged friend as I scoop him up to avoid him slipping out to find you. As much as I love him, he makes a horrible first impression!Just the other day, a friend came to drop a meal off at our house. I was so grateful. As she came to the garage, I could see she was holding her infant in her arms. I decided I would escort our “Mo” to the backyard before she made it to the door, so I didn’t have to listen to his loud antics. I set him out back and quickly headed to let her in the house. As she entered, the commotion at the back door sounded more like a pack of wolves trying to enter than a curious 25 lb Jack Russell mutt!If he knows you, he is the sweetest dog in the world. Until you pass his sniff test, however, you are a threat to his little kingdom.As I reflected on how often he makes a bad impression, I couldn’t help but think how we do the same thing. Mo doesn’t mean any harm and actually loves to cuddle. However, when he feels like you might take some attention away from him or make a movement towards his favorite person (me J), beware.We don’t show our teeth, but in our own way most of us can think of times where we put up a tough façade to make sure we are not threatened. We pretend we don’t care about something when, in reality, we are dying on the inside. It’s not even unusual for us to act unapproachable just to avoid the possibility of rejection. Of course, seldom is this an intentional decision. Generally, these are just coping mechanisms that have developed along the way. We get our feelings hurt a few times and before long we decide it’s easier to “bear our teeth” than to risk relational disappointment.The funny thing about Mo is that he usually makes a much better impression when I am not around. My guess is that he senses my apprehension. I give him about 60 seconds when someone comes in the door. If his first reaction isn’t positive, I never give him the next 60 seconds. Those rare times that I just ignore him, however, he will usually bark a few times, sniff, and then go about his business without any drama.Again, sorry for the puppy parallel, but I think it’s worth noting. Perhaps that person near you who has the tough exterior just needs you to not be so offended by his or her first growl. What would happen if you let it roll off your back instead of falling into their plan of keeping you at arm’s length? Perhaps your patience and willingness to believe the best and see past the growl is exactly what the Lord will use as an inroad to giving them the hope and comfort that only the Lord provides. twitter | facebook