spiritual resource to share: our pets
It's been a full two weeks with lots of people coming and going. And now, with the last load of guest sheets and pillowcases washed, the air beds deflated, and my husband back in the groove of business travel, I have Mocha, my lovable Rottie, to keep me company. I went back to a posting I wrote years ago and am re-posting it now for all you pet-lovers out there.
But ask the animals what they think—let them teach you;
let the birds tell you what's going on.
Put your ear to the earth—learn the basics.
Listen—the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.
Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign,
let the birds tell you what's going on.
Put your ear to the earth—learn the basics.
Listen—the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.
Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign,
that he holds all things in his hand—
Every living soul, yes, every breathing creature?
Isn't this all just common sense?
Every living soul, yes, every breathing creature?
Isn't this all just common sense?
Job 12 from The Message
As I start my days, my faithful companion, Mocha, our dog, often settles herself in a corner underneath my large desk and rests while I work and pray. Her presence makes me think about all the spiritual qualities that she has brought into our lives:
- unconditional love
- instant forgiveness
- protection
- loyalty
- gratitude for the little things
- always ready to play
- being a loving, living presence during my day
- joyfulness in the every day acts of living
- innocence
- grace, strength and beauty
- intuition about danger
- receptivity to Truth
- even her goofy little antics reflect spontaneity and humor
With all the animal pets I have had throughout my life, I have to agree: "Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand."
What wisdom have animals shared with you lately?
5 comments:
As I read the list of qualities expressed by your dog I thought, "Wow, these are the qualities I want my church to express!" We're getting there, but Mocha is a bit ahead of us.
Thanks all for your comments - Colin, I had to laugh when I read yours.
I'll bet your church members don't bark at the wind in the trees, nor do they jump up and lick visitors. Your church may be farther ahead than you think.
as I read this mollie is sitting with her chin (is that what they call it in the dog world...hmmm) on my feet and her paws wrapped around one of my ankles...opps, now she's heard something in the yard, but got distracted on her way to the window by one of her chewy toys and is throwing it in the air...okay...now she is back at my feet with her eyes closed and her nose under the arch of my foot...
this really all happened while I was typing...
she teaches me every day about trust, joy, and...as you reminded me...spontaneity...
I love Colin's "church" hopes...mollie certainly didn't convene a committee before she decided to run to the window...hmmm...
love you...hug Mocha for me xox
I have a therapy dog that I take to school each day with me. My kids absolutely love him. What I notice most about him is how accepting he is of everyone. He loves all of the kids equally. It does not matter what they look like or who their friends are, he is always their best friend:-)
isn't it wonderful the joy and lightness unconditional love can bring!
Your therapy dog probably absolutely loves his or her work! Another lesson dogs teach us!
thx for sharing all!
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