One of God’s greatest creations was the companionship of a dog.
It had been a long day for me. I had been up late the night before waiting for my son’s bus to return from a band exhibition. I had been up since 5:00 AM. As I was driving home from work, I mentally ticked off my to-do list, which included a couple of loads of laundry and dinner, not to mention I could write my name in the dust on my dresser. I also reminded myself that I hadn’t exercised all week.
But, when I got home, instead of rushing around and starting on my chores, I decided to take a little quiet time and do some yoga and pray. I love to pray when I practice yoga. The quiet, intentional breathing seems to invite the Holy Spirit to join me.
I did some stretching and standing poses and then I got down on the floor. “Lord, please show me your face;” I prayed. “Let me feel your presence.”
I was still for a few minutes, something I struggle with some days. When I started on my Pilates moves, my dog Sandy, came peeping around the corner. I kept working and he continued to inch closer, so close that I had to either pet him or kick him.
Of course, I chose to pet him and then he was all over me. He flopped on his back, wagging his tail, greedy for attention and as if I made some kind of announcement, my little dog, Piper came bounding into the room and took full posession of my other hand.
The dogs were in ecstasy as I focused all of my attention on them, my little workout long forgotten. They had missed me. They didn’t care how busy I was or what was on my to-do list; they simply wanted my time and attention. I gave it to them freely and felt more relaxed than I had all day.
At that moment, I knew God had been listening. My dogs served as a reminder of unconditional love. They served as a reminder that all of the stuff I needed to do could wait. The relationships wouldn’t.
When I thought about my canine love fest later, I was reminded that God too, desires my daily time and attention. On my busiest days, He still wants me to make time for Him to read His word and to pray. He’s not very concerned with my to-do list.
On the days I get it wrong, I am given forgiveness and grace. On the days I get it right, something beautiful always happens. Today I was rewarded with wagging tails and doggie kisses. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?
Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂