Dog Blog

Nothing lifts my spirits more than a long walk with my dogs. Unfortunately, due to my hectic schedule such walks are not always consistent. Nonetheless, my two Labrador Retrievers are wild with happiness when the leashes appear. Our dogs don't scold me and demand to know why this hasn't happened sooner. They don't sulk and refuse to leave the house because we didn't go when they wanted. They don't look at me condescendingly as if to say, "Well you giant couch potato, why even bother to get in shape now?" No, instead of negativity, they exude unbridled joy with electric wagging tails and drool-filled panting. Life is never so good for them as when the leashes come out---except of course meal time.

Dogs are present oriented, and they can teach us how to enjoy our daily walk with God. When we do not have time for self care, we often beat ourselves up with personal criticism. It's easy to think, "I haven't exercised in a month (or a week or year) why bother now?" Likewise, if we have fallen out of the habit of daily prayer and meditation, it is hard to savor the wonders of God's love. We are too busy focusing on how we don't pray and meditate the right way---as if there is such a thing. We focus on what we didn't do yesterday and what we probably won't do tomorrow. Instead of regretting the past or dreading the future, we would do well to follow the example of dogs. Let go of the past. Stop worrying about the future. Celebrate the moment.

Perhaps the next time we are feeling down, we can pull out a leash and take a walk in a new direction. OK, maybe not a leash, but some tangible object that instantly inspires a renewed enthusiasm for life. For some, that may be a phone call to a good friend, or work in the garden. Others may find themselves smiling at a child's photo or children at play. Still others may cling to a favorite Bible verse with its promise of love and strength. Everyone has something to help capture the wonder of the present moment. The trick is finding that something and focusing on every-day miracles---like a walk with your dogs. For when you face in the direction of joy, you are more likely to find it.


Daily Challenge: Celebrate the Gift of Today.
God has made everything beautiful in its time; moreover God has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they shall live. Ecclesiastes 3:11&12

Dear God, help us to live this day as if Christ is walking right beside us granting us the love, strength and courage we need to live well and be well in your world, Amen.