Biblical Principles in Reaching Goals

My sweet daughter, Asherel, is determined to bike with her Siberian Husky, Ragnar. Ragnar is residing in my home for a few months as my daughter and her hubby transition through a new job, apartment switch, and last semester of school. Since I am a little hyperactive, Ragnar and I get along great. He runs with me every morning, and then walks every night. When the weather cools off, I am sure we will be even more active. So I warned Asherel that she better start running, since Ragnar is now doing about 5 miles or so every day of walks and runs.

She told me she hates running, but she intended to bike with him. I tried my best to talk her out of this foolishness, but she was insistent. In desperation, I knew that if someone was to die, it must be me. So I began training Ragnar, first just to walk alongside the bike while on leash. I rewarded him lavishly for every positive action. Sitting when I stopped the bike, turning when I turned, not running after squirrels....

Encouraged by how well he did walking on a leash by my bike, I ordered a hands-free “Leash Buddy” dog runner for bicycles. As the experts suggested, I also purchased a harness for Ragnar to use with the leash buddy.

It arrived a few days ago. Ragnar was very excited and eager to try it out. I was a little terrified. However, it went surprisingly well as this video shows you!

Each day, I have been bringing Ragnar out on a bike ride/run. He loves it. We did a three mile run the first morning after the video above. He was flawless. Each afternoon we did a shorter bike/run. I kept my daughter apprised of his progress. Less than a week after starting our training, I felt it was safe suggesting she come try it herself. 

She was so excited. She does not love to run or to go on long walks, but she likes to bike. She was thrilled to see how happy Ragnar was trotting beside her.  “I honestly didn’t think he would learn this so quickly,” she told me.

Now Ragnar is the smartest dog I have ever worked with, and among the most eager to please. However, I was surprised too by how quickly he mastered this endeavor. There are some principles that I used in training him to do this that I think are key in encouraging others (canine or human) to joyfully learn and embrace new things. I think they are Biblical principles as well.

1. Be confident the goal is worthy and within your grasp. (Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible with God.)

2. Be consistent, doing a little each day to reach the goal. (Proverbs 6:6-9 Go to the ant, O sluggard, consider her ways, and be wise.Without having any chief officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.)

3. Do only enough for the day, without overwhelming the student with all they will need to know to complete the task. (Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.)

4. Be joyful and be sure the student is joyful as they learn. Reward lavishly! (Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.)

5. Rejoice when the student reaches the goal (Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven...)