{Be Successful} A Lesson from Pugs

You often hear parents talk about how much they’ve learned from their kids. I can say the same, however, my ‘kids’ are two four-legged pug children. Stitch is 7 1/2 and we’ve had him since he was a puppy. Lilo is probably around 6 years old. We don’t know for sure because in 2009 she was rescued from a puppy mill. (An evil evil place that I will refrain from discussing or I may say things inappropriate for this blog ;) ). It is quite evident that they had very different experiences in their early years of life.

I often compare Stitch to someone who grew up in the rich area of town and had everything handed to him on a silver platter…and Lilo grew up ‘on the other side of the tracks’ on the street. Stitch learned that he would be taken care of and he didn’t have to put forth much effort to get what he wants or needs. Lilo on the other hand learned she had to fight for whatever she could get.

Pugs are known for their comedic antics to begin with. It’s one of the characteristics that led us to that breed. But watching the two of them interact with each other and with us based on their different approaches to life would make for a pretty entertaining reality tv series. (At least it can’t be much worse than what’s already on reality tv these days, am I right?!?!)  If Stitch wants something, he parks himself in front of you and stares you down. This means it’s time for us to read his mind and give him what he wants.  Sometimes it’s dinner, sometimes it’s play time, and sometimes it’s the bone that’s sitting right in front of him – but he wants US to pick it up so he doesn’t have to. If we don’t respond properly and within his time table, he starts to whine and pout.

Lilo on the other hand will go after whatever she wants. If she wants something and you don’t figure it out fast enough, she will beat you up, scratch the skin off your arms and/or lick your face until you get the hint. If you are rubbing her belly with one hand and she wants you to use two hands, the violent attacks continue until you use both hands. It’s actually pretty funny and one day I hope to get it recorded but she’s too smart and stops whenever she see’s me with the phone out. Rotten little dogs.

In recent years I have paid more attention to interviews with people at the top of their fields and read books discussing the keys to their success.  Across the board these people have ‘the spirit of Lilo’ – they have whole-heartedly chased after their goals. They’ve fought and pushed through any and all circumstances and didn’t stop.  They’ve translated ‘no’ to ‘maybe not that direction’ or ‘not yet’ instead of ‘time to stop because I’ve hit a dead end’.

What dream has God placed on your heart? What passion and talent has He gifted you with?  Have you found yourself staring at them and whining like Stitch, waiting for someone (God???) to give them to you?  Maybe it’s time to step back and ask yourself what step you can take in the right direction. Ask God what YOU need to do to move forward into all that He has created and called you to be. Step out in faith and prepare to be amazed as God meets you and takes you to places you never imagined.