Monte’s my service dog, and he’s much better behaved than I am.
Folks often ask, “Does he ever get to just be a dog?” They worry, I think, that all of his training and his “job” keep him from running and playing and being free like regular dogs.
Although he’s slowing down a bit (he’s 13!) Monte loves to chase tennis balls and frisbees. He knows when he’s working and when it’s okay to be goofy. His training actually allows Monte to operate with more freedom than an untrained dog.
As pack animals, dogs respond instinctively to structure and hierarchy. They’re most comfortable when they understand the limitations and who’s in charge. A dog with no structure becomes nervous and anxious.
Without training, dogs in a human environment aren’t able to be fully dogs. They aren’t “free” to reach their potential.
You and I tend to think of freedom as I can do whatever I want. However, doing whatever I want often leads to unhealthy diets, drug/alcohol overuse and abuse, and all sorts of behaviors and choices that feel good right now but lead to long-term harm. People trapped in the long-term consequences of short-term choices certainly aren’t free.
Turns out that we were designed to live within certain healthy boundaries. We may perceive them as limitations, but the Designer knew what He was doing. When we stray from the design we can’t reach the potential for which we were created.
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Imagine a team of cyclists moving down the road. Each rider has different abilities. Some ride faster. Some climb better. Some can ride forever at a steady pace. “Freedom” might seem like each person riding her own ideal pace.
The group, however, is safer (because they’re more visible) if they ride together. By drafting and taking turns at the front, riders in a group use up to 1/3 less energy. If someone has a breakdown or an accident in the middle of nowhere, it’s helpful to have other cyclists nearby.
Riding as a team appears to limit freedom, but the group–and its members–can reach true potential only when individuals agree to certain sacrifices.
Communities always work like that. The Designer knew what He was doing.
(HT to Kerwin Rae for the inspiration)