Yesterday, I described a couple of ways that my dog is a negative example to me. Today, I will write about the ways he is an instrument of grace.
Smokey may fear at times that I won't feed him, but he definitely regards us as his providers. Nearly every time we feed him, he will seek me out afterwards to thank me for his food by giving me a kiss on the leg. I've never had another animal do this, and I find it so sweet. It reminds me that I should give thanks more often for my blessings, both large and small.
The other thing Smokey does is to join me every morning when I have my prayer time. This custom started when he was a young pup. While we were house-training him, my husband and I tried to keep him always within sight so we could catch him before he had accidents. When I would have my quiet time, I would sit the puppy on the couch or the bed, wherever I happened to be, and give him a chew toy to keep him occupied. As a result, he learned early on that prayer time meant "Mom" time. Now, as soon as he sees me sit down with my Bible and the Book of Common Prayer, he jumps up to snuggle next to me. And when Smokey is with me, that's all he wants in the world. He's content just to be in my company. It's the most wonderful object lesson of how my time with God should be. Let us just sit together quietly and enjoy each other's company.
That kind of wordless communion is easy for my dog. He lives in the present. All that matters to him is the moment he's in right now. My mind has much more trouble growing quiet and forgetting my past troubles and my future worries. It is harder for me to find communion with my master. But I keep trying, with my wise little dog as a daily reminder.
If you are interested in participating, you can find information about the project at Robert Hruzek's posting.
If you interested in learning about the organization sponsoring the project, go to High Calling.
19 comments:
He is a sweet pup for sure!
Awe, that is just so sweet! What a wonderful little doggy you have!
Hugs, Sharon
He is sweet, in my totally unbiased opinion. LOL
We could, indeed, learn a good deal from our dogs about being in the presence of God.
He is a wise little dog...what a great thing to remember when we spend time with God.
dogs can be a real blessing, comfort and good examples of unconditional love!
Ruth, I recently found some of your emails in my spam box! I don't know why some come to my email and some do not. I'm trying to fix that. Please accept my apology if I didn't respond to them!
dogs can be a real blessing, comfort and good examples of unconditional love!
Ruth, I recently found some of your emails in my spam box! I don't know why some come to my email and some do not. I'm trying to fix that. Please accept my apology if I didn't respond to them!
What a nice dog. And the reminder to be in the present is a good one! Guess I need to pay more attention to my two dogs.
Smokey is as precious as this post! Wonderful Ruth.
XOXOXOX
what a great dog! I love this idea. dog parables.
How true. Our dogs really can show us much about how to relate to our master. And, pretty much what I say in my blog's subtitle... very often, the grace of God is reflected in the unconditional love of a dog.
Thanks for the visit and yes your dog is adorable! one of the things i like about dogs is that they seem to have no concept of time - be gone for a week and they're excited to see you - be gone for an hour and you get the same response! Isn't that also like God? No matter how long or far we wander away from the Divine, there's always that joy that we have returned!
What a wonderful post Ruth. I love love my dear sweet Radar and he loves me too...he always always knows when I am sad or down and keeps me company
Ruth - this is so beautiful and so moves my heart.
Thank you!
Ruth, I had a dachshund years ago that did the same thing - he'd sit next to me in my chaise lounge anytime I was outside. He'd never sit on the chair by himself, only if I was in it.
Thanks for joining us this month for the writing project, Ruth! Good lessons are easy to find - all we need to do is open our eyes.
Cheers!
What a sweet loving reminder, Ruth!
I just love these two posts. I'm sure I may be tempted to use them in a talk sometime. If I do I'll credit you of course.
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Anne, you would be welcome to use the stories.
Thanks, everyone, for your comments.
I love your stories and your lessons from Smokey. Thanks for sharing.
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