Author Confessions: What My Dogs Teach Me About My Relationship With God, Part I of 7
The other morning, as I was about to open my Bible to read, my sweet puppy, Oliver, jumped into my lap and sat across my journal. I stopped and petted him. I started to think about what my sweet dog can teach me about my relationship with God.
Before I go further, let me explain that there is a difference between Special Revelation (The Holy Bible) and General Revelation, how all creation cries out in testimony of who God is. In Romans 1:19-20, Paul states: “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
I’ll be likely writing more than one of these so I wanted make sure you understand that this is what I am learning from the humble and sweet, dogs that God has entrusted me with. I apologize to owners of other types of pets, but maybe some of these will resonate with you regardless of what kind of pet you have.
I want to start out generally. I’ve often thought that a dog’s life was easy but as a human being I realize it is not.
DEPENDENCE
My dogs have to completely trust me. They need to pee or poop outside (although they sometimes fail to follow through on this as I would prefer). I can use the bathroom whenever I feel then need and not at the whim of someone else without access to a facility to relieve myself. I get the comfort of a bathroom as well, not needing to use the facilities regardless of weather and temperature.
My dogs also have to wait for me to return home and provide them with food. I hope I am as faithful as they need me to be in providing them with good food and plenty of fresh water.
As a human being I would struggle with this. Sure, as a child I was utterly dependent on my parents to provide me with food and water, but when they left the house, when I was little, they provided me with a babysitter, until I got old enough to care for myself.
My current dogs are in a crate during the night, waiting for me to release them in the morning without whimper or complaint. They are in a playpen when I am gone, sometimes with music playing and food and water available. They have no idea if I’m going to be gone for one hour or eight. And if I’m lucky they won’t leave me any gifts to clean up.
While we are all, as human beings, interdependent on others. I sometimes forget how dependent on God I am. For my every breath, or money for the rent, food to eat, a safe place to sleep at night. God has provided me far more than I deserve. How much more should I be climbing into His lap to express my gratitude.
KINDNESS
My dogs trust me to be kind to them. One, as I will explain in a future post, has a traumatic past, so she can still be shy about that and while most dogs will be chagrined if scolded for bad behavior, she will cower in fear. How much more should I quake before the holiness of God?
When I call their name, their tales wag and they come close. They anticipate good from me, whether it is a treat or some petting. God is calling me to meet with Him, not to discipline me, although He needs to do that too at times, but to show me His goodness.
It’s been a deep joy for me coming to our church after some wounds from our previous congregation. I anticipate with joy being with others to worship God! That is how it should be but hadn’t been for a long time. My dogs, likewise, jump and bark for joy when I come home because they delight in being in my presence! There is more freedom for them when I am there, and of course, the potential for treats. I’m glad I can experience that joy going to church, but the reality is I can experience that every time I pray or read His Word or talk about Him with someone else.
Oh, there is so much more to explore about what my dogs teach me about my relationship with God. Maybe you can suggest some you’ve experienced with your pet!