Author Confessions: What My Dogs Teach Me About My Relationship With God, Part 3 of 7
If you haven’t read my previous posts you can find them here, and here.
PEACE IN THE STORM
Spatzle was by my side during a difficult season in life. Years ago, when my kids were young, my oldest Hobbit would sometimes experience an emotional meltdown, I would go to sit by my son and speak softly to him in an effort to calm him down. Spatzle was not intimidated by my son’s outburst which could be loud and aggressive. My dog would jump up and sit on my lap and I would pet him. The motion was calming for me but also I suspect, for my son. I would pray out loud for my son during those times as well. Spazle just continued his steady presence.
ASKING FOR HELP
Dogs can’t tell us they are hurting. Spatzle was not a demanding pet. If I was a little slow in taking him out regularly, he might come and tell me. But when he started barking at me while I was working and then putting his paws on me, it usually indicated something was wrong. Lyme disease and back issues plagued him, but I wouldn’t have had a clue if he hadn’t sought me out. Both issue made it difficult for him to go up and down stairs, of which there were many inside and outside our home. Having to carry him in and out of the house at first felt like he was seeking attention, but he wasn’t. He was in pain. Once he had some medication, the issue resolved and he was back to taking the stairs and jumping up to the back of the couch.
When Oliver was a puppy, he got stuck in a box and barked as if to say, “I’m stuck! Help!”
I hate asking for help. I don’t want to be seen as needy. We all go through seasons where we should ask, and generously receive, help. Our first call should always be to God.
DO YOUR DUTY
Spatzle didn’t demand attention. He was the only dog in the house and confident in his position and my love. He slept at the foot of my bed every night and at times would jump up to sit by me in a chair while I read. He took his duty seriously to protect our family. We didn’t need a doorbell, as we had a dogbell. We rarely heard the doorbell ring because Spatzle was on the job. Now Oliver glady takes that position in our home.
He kept watch without any encouragement from me. He had food, shelter, affection, and was safe. His needs were met and he rewarded us with his bark. He had a job to do and took it seriously.
I have a job to do as part of the family of God, and I pray I can be as dependable as my dog in fulfilling the calling God gives me.
PART OF THE FAMILY
Spazle would bark if someone came over and I chatted with them. He’d stop once I picked him up. He insisted on being part of the conversation and didn’t want to be left out. If someone came over and refused to acknowledge him, he would also let them know, in uncerstain terms, that he was someone to be reckoned with and once they gave him a pet, he would go back to his watchpost. Spazle was part of the family and never let us forget it.
It would be easy to forget that I am also part of the family of God and when the time is appropriate, to be acknowledge as existing. That’s partly why I love my church. I’m not invisible there even if people don’t know me. I’m not more important than anyone else, but I’m also not less important. I’m part of the family. And if I ask God to hold me while He’s speaking, that’s OK by Him.
In spite of all that, I remember that sweet face so fondly, and the lessons my dog taught me about my relationship with God. Do any of these resonate with you?