Swaddled and Sleeping Peacefully Photo by Tomas Hajek at Dreamstime
Are you as dumbfounded as I am at some of the recent commercials on television? (I will not even mention what makes the news.) And the commercials are so clever that sometimes I’m not even sure what they’re advertising! I tend to prefer ads with children or ads with the more direct approach like that of a toilet paper commercial – “Everybody has to go, so why not enjoy the go?” Those words would never have entered polite conversation thirty years ago, but now they invade my home during the evening news, and I’ve begun to think it normal. And even worse, I’m writing about it.
Daily news would have us think most people are fearful, frustrated and acting out these days. Would that reporters could give just an ounce of attention to some of the people I know—people who get up every morning and do what they’re supposed to do in taking care of their families and being responsible on the job. Some of those same people find time to coach little league teams, and serve in a soup kitchen, and mentor young mothers—good people doing good in the world.
Back to the news—so, right in the middle of this newscast, up pops a commercial that I haven’t seen in the last few years, but apparently they’ve pulled it out of the commercial archives. I remember staring at Bill in total “flabbergasterment” when I saw it the first time years ago. The commercial touts a vest for dogs with anxiety problems. It’s advertised as a well-designed, wrap-around vest that exerts a gentle, constant pressure. The inventers believe this kind of pressure has a calming effect on the nervous system of canines, helping your pet overcome fears, anxiety, and excitability. Being calm helps the dog to focus or refocus and allows training to be more effective. I have friends who bought one, and they say it works.
I suppose swaddling a newborn is based on the same principle. But truly, wouldn’t you want a vest you could just slip on and all your anxieties and fears would melt away? If it really works, I want one. I figure it would fit me if it will fit a sheep dog. And it comes in heather gray, navy and pink. I’d pay $39.95 for the pink one.
The great news is our Father offers us something better than an anxiety-reducing garment—He offers His peace and His presence from the inside out. No commercial needed, just word of mouth witnessing. No 800 number to call, just breathe a prayer. Always the right size and color, and He doesn’t ask for your credit card.
His presence in our lives offers eternal security and a calming effect that allows us to focus our thoughts and feelings in a more positive, constructive direction. The fears and anxieties may not flee, but His presence can change our focus from our present circumstances to things of a more lasting and eternal perspective. And the best part – His presence is absolutely guaranteed to work, and it’s simply free for the asking.
By the way, the makers of the product recommend before attempting to put the vest on your dog for the first time, you should use it as a plate for your pet’s food, a manipulative trick to create a positive association. Now ponder that for a while. If you choose to buy this product, I get no commission. And you should know this product comes with a money back guarantee. Good luck!
