God used my dog to teach me a wonderful lesson recently. I don't mean the one about my comfort doesn't really matter.
This one was even better.
I walked into the kitchen and said Hello to Mindy. She looked up at me, wagged her tail and immediately flopped onto the floor - on her back, belly up, paws limp, tail wagging, waiting expectantly.
And do you know what I did?
I walked right over to her and started rubbing her tummy, telling her how much I love her.
I mean, what else was I to do? It was clear that she wanted me to love on her. How else should I have responded? Yes, maybe I had laundry to fold, or carrots to cut, or blogs to read. But Mindy was laying there totally vulnerable and unashamed, just waiting for me to love her.
And it was truly a delight for me to give her the attention she craved.
As I knealt there petting my dog, noticing how freely she received my love, something occurred to me. I mused, I think God would like for me to approach Him in much the same way my dog has approached me today.
I realized, I really don't need this dog. Rather, she needs me. She is completely dependent on me to take care of her. She needs me (or one of the kids!) to feed her and give her water. When she needs to go outside, she gets my attention and I let her out. I give Mindy her heartworm pills and take her to the vet for check-ups. I take her on walks (Or, I did until I got this stress-fracture in my foot. Did I tell you about that?) and I even trim her nails.
Yeah, I pretty much do everything for that dog.
Just like God does everything for me.
And as she laid on the floor, basking my love - unashamed and joyful to receive it - I realized something else. In this act of enjoying my love, my dog was doing something for me. She was delighting me heart!
It truly brought me joy to see my dog enjoying my love.
And that's why I think God wants me to come to Him the same way.
Realizing I am completely dependent on Him - for everything - yet totally unashamed to freely receive His love. As I sit in His presence, fully enjoying the love He lavishes on me, I believe I will delight His heart.
So, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go soak in my Father's love. I hope you'll do the same!
13 comments:
Yeah! My dog Molly does the same thing! What a wonderful object lesson! I laugh aloud to think of your turning over on your back with legs raised to the ceiling asking for God to give your tummy a rub! LOL! Hope you got a good rub today. God is good!
Leslie - I did. He loves me so tenderly and completely!
Here's to our sweet dogs, and the ways God speaks to us. *grin*
I love the analogy. How is it you always seem to hit the nail on the head? I hope some day my mind starts to work the way yours does and I am able to find a lesson in simple things like that. By the way my dog Cody does that as well. So cute!
Jean
How often do we cheat ourselves out of the the love of Father because we feel that we do not deserve it. Mindy just basked in your love and we should do the same.
Great post, Karen.
leah
If I have to be honest here, and I think that is probably a good idea, this makes me want to go rub Tobi's belly. LOL!
I do love the analogy. I think about how dependent Tobi is on me and she doesn't even know it. She thinks she is independent, doing whatever she pleases, but when she needs (or wants) something she runs to me.
This will make for a great discussion with God today. Thanks my friend! Love ya!
Jean - Thank you. As I see it- I am God's, this blog is His, and everything I say is for His glory. If the nail has been hit on the head, it is a gift from God, not my doing.
Now, whenever you rub Cody's belly, you can remember God's desire to pour His love out on you!
Leah - I have frequent gratitude for the lessons God teaches me through that dog. Wonder how much closer I'd be to Him if I hadn't resisted getting a dog for so long! *grin*
Edie - Yes. Honesty is good. And I think Tobi would be happy for you to follow through.
How true is that? Thinking we're independent, yet running to God when we realize our need. It's a good thing for us He's so gracious!
Enjoy your discussion. *grin*
Amazing insights Karen... just wonderful!! That Mindy sure is lucky... I NEVER rub dogs bellys... my dogs always piddle all over themselves there. ;)
Blessings-
Amanda
P.S. I know. Totally missing the point. I do that.
I love this post! I really do. An awesome picture of our relationship wiht God, BUT I think I love Amanda's comment (maybe even a bit more? sorry?)
Amanda - My kids told me our neighbor's dog gets really excited when you rub her belly and, uh, piddles. I won't be rubbing her belly!
But Mindy is OK. *grin*
Gianna - I always knew you liked her more than me. *sniff*
Just kidding!
I LOVE the analogy. It is so true!! Thanks for helping me look beyond what the eye can see.
Jan - I love it when God opens our eyes!
Karen these words stirred my heart, as I struggle in this area. Thank you for such a timely post:
"I think God would like for me to approach Him in much the same way my dog has approached me today."
JBR - I hope you are able to take the time today to approach God unashamed, and let Him pour His love on you!
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