Growing In God's Design: Lessons from my dogs. Love & Obedience

As I am currently trying to figure out how to start each day seeking a better relationship with God, I notice the different greetings I get from each one of my dogs every morning. Teddy and Clara are happy to see me, looking forward to the attention and time they will get to spend with me as I fulfill their daily needs and wishes. Immediately asking for favors before even a proper greeting is met, the requests for "throw my toy" and "scratch my butt" are pushed on me as the rambunctious wiggling forms run to and from the back door, the odd toy or two is knocked against my knees and dropped at my feet before we are even outside–no time to talk. Pippin, however, upon seeing me, gently sits at my feet until I am ready for his full embrace. He stands on his hind legs, his soft puppy arms wrapped around my waist, his head leaning its full weight into my belly–an oddly human gesture from a beautiful little creature. He occasionally changes his head position to gaze up at me and worship my face with his adoring gaze as if to ask how he might please me this day, anxious to let me know how glad he is that we will spend this day together. He connects with his master and asks for directions and praise. His biggest pleasure is to spend time by my side–not constantly requiring anything other than my quiet company. Pippin uses the lessons I have taught him to communicate better with me throughout the day and to grow closer to me so that he can more easily interpret the actions I desire from him–a learned obedience that keeps him safely by my side.

When I wake up each day seeking my Master's help to get me through and provide–may I be a Pippin. Making time to stop pursuing my anxious endeavors to ask my Lord what he desires from me this day, so my time might be enjoyed in fruitful pursuit of time together with the master of my heart.

In these wonderful little creations we call dogs, I see a refection of my relationship (or rather how it should be) with the one I call Master. And I no longer wonder at the marvel of my bond with these three whimsical little spirits, for I truly believe that dogs are a unique gift from God. A whole–hearted creation given to us to learn from, so that we can better understand how to have a relationship with our Master in Heaven who guides us and provides for our needs.

All Heart. June 18, 2024. AI Art. Please Visit the gallery page to Download any of the AI Art I create. Not for Resale.

Notes for further reading.

The Bible says that God blessed Caleb because he had a different spirit or a different attitude than the rest of the people (Numbers 14:24). He remained wholeheartedly loyal to God. Caleb followed God when no one else did, and his uncompromising obedience earned him a lasting reward. Jul 3, 2019 www.learnreligions.com

The Hebrew word for dog is "keleḇ" derived from the same root as the name Caleb.

Often interpreted as meaning "wholehearted" or "faithful" due to the Hebrew components "kal" (whole) and "lev" (heart).