Friday, March 15, 2013

Update and Lessons Learned from the Dog


UPDATE:  Our loyal sidekick, “Sierra”, mentioned in the previous post died on March 8th, 2013.  Tears were shed and our hearts were sad (and my lap has been a little colder in the evenings once the kids go to bed).  She lived a great life in our home and we truly enjoyed the time we were given with her.  She was spunky and loud and competitive, and at times troublesome to neighbors (or our ears), but she was also loving and loyal and consistent.  In memory of her, we have planted a Kousa Dogwood tree in our backyard (also called a “Wolf Eyes” according to the nursery).  Thank you, God, for all of the beautiful things You have given us.

Thinking back over thirteen years, did Sierra teach this old dog any new tricks?  I think maybe she did.  

Five Lessons Learned from the Dog:

1. Hospitality.  Everyone deserves the “Rockstar” greeting when they enter the door of my home.  No matter how many times you have been here, I would like to greet you with freshness as if I have never seen anything better.  Ok, true, I will not spin little circles, jump at your coattails, or pee on the floor, but I think it’s a worthy cause to wag my tail loudly.  Announced or unannounced, you should always be welcomed with pure joy.

2. Relaxing on the couch is not a bad thing.  I’m not condoning laziness, but is it such a bad thing to kick your feet up every now and then and just relax?  We all need down time.  A time of rest.  Add a blanket and now it’s luxurious! 

3. Loyalty is an honorable quality.  Faithful.  Trustworthy.  Reliable.  Dependable.  I will fail daily, because I am greatly flawed, but these are the qualities that I should strive for.  Would my family describe me by these words?  What about my friends? My co-workers?  Neighbors? 

4. We all need a master to lead us.  We all follow something.  Some follow the world; some follow man.  Some follow dreams or thoughts of what “could be”.  I was a flawed master for Sierra, even on a good day.  My husband was better, but even he was not perfect (sorry, my love).  Those synonyms above for Loyalty, though (see number 3), there is One Master who does possess those unfailingly.  When I fail, He doesn’t.  When I struggle, He leads me…and perfectly (even if I am unclear of where He is leading me).  When I stumble, He picks me up.  Thank you, Jesus, for being my Master.  There is NONE better.

5. Love with all you’ve got.  Because it’s transforming.  Love is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible (literally!).  It existed before time and will continue until Jesus returns.  Do I love like Jesus does?  Unconditionally.  Fully.  With no expectation of payment.  Do I love those who don’t love me in return?  God, by His grace, rescued me when I was so far from ever returning love to Him.  He took my life and changed it and taught me how to love.  Even now I know I can never equal the love He has shown me.  The very least I can do is love with all I’ve got and maybe somehow reflect a tiny sliver of what He has already given. 

So…being hospitable, relaxing every now and then, striving to be more dependable, recognizing and giving thanks always for my master, loving more readily and unconditionally….is that what those “Wag More, Bark Less” stickers mean?  Probably not, but they sure have made me smile a lot more lately.    Right now, for whatever reason, wagging more just seems the right thing to do.  And that’s not a bad lesson. 

2 comments:

  1. Such a precious post, sweet friend. Made me smile and encouraged me to live better for my Lord!

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  2. Enjoy reading your musings, love you all!

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