Unfortunately, they don’t.  They don’t have wings.  They are fat and lazy.  Further, because their faces are “smashed”their breathing is distressed and airlines won’t allow them to fly in the cargo portion of the plane.  So, when our family relocates to Michigan we face the daunting challenge of 3-4 days in a car with two snorting, restless pugs (and teenagers).  For those of you who suggest that we leave Coco and Libbey behind, we can cease to be friends right now.

The children of Israel faced their own daunting journey that actually took 40 years (making 3-4 days in a car seem not so bad after all).  Numbers 21:4 says, “And the people became impatient on the way.”  This caused them to grumble and complain.  I can certainly relate.  But let us be reminded that God hates grumbling.  He in fact hates it so much that He sent a plague of fiery serpents among the complaining Israelites.  Why does God take our grumbling and impatience so seriously?  I think it is because it demonstrates a lack of trust in God’s goodness.  When we are impatient with our present circumstances it proclaims that God is not good in our present circumstances.  And that is certainly an offense to the God who created us, provides for us, and loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us.  I must remember this on day 2 in the car with the pugs–and at all times when I am tempted to be impatient and grumble.