Live like a dog

It's getting to be that time of year again......hustling, bustling, wanting to scream and rip your hair out as you're jostled around inside a packed department store scrambling to get that last Christmas gift on your list for your cousin's nephew's brother which he just HAS to have, all the while fighting off carts ramming into your heels and elbows constantly poking you in the ribs only to find the shelf is EMPTY! (insert breath!) Ah yes, Christmas time!

We worry about what to buy, how badly our spending will cost us in the new year, will people be happy with our gift, where to find the time to do all the baking, how to attend all the parties we're expected at, getting the decorating done and looking just right, having family photos done in time......the list is endless! It's easy to get caught up in the flurry that is the holidays, even though we remind ourselves that God is "the reason for the season."

It's natural as humans to worry about the future and stress about our past. We all know that applies to much more than just Christmas! That is why I am taking the challenge to "live like a dog."

No, I'm not planning on greeting loved ones with a sloppy kiss or a rump sniff (nice mental image).... I'm talking about, for example, a dog's natural ability to live in the moment. I often revel at how I can rant and rave throughout the house in pure anger for whatever reason to the point where I see all four tails are tucked under in fear, and the moment I calm down and realize my stupidity, all four tails are up and wagging again as though nothing ever happened. How is it that they find it so natural to never hold a grudge or worry about when you might get angry again? I decided I need to learn from this!

I use Christmas as an example since it is so near and because it's a time I feel we all struggle with past and future stresses. I personally think about how out of place I felt as the last Christmas party and what they'll think when I don't show up this year. Or about w ho would appreciate a Christmas picture of me and my dogs and who will just toss it? Will I hurt people's feelings if I don't get them a gift because I hate obligation buying? But I find myself stressing throughout the year on other things like, how will I affoard all my bills? How will I get everything done at home when work takes up all my time? Why can't I get more motivated and spend more time with God?

What would happen if, instead of giving in to the human nature of worrying, I would just trust God and live in the moment? Just like my dog takes things as they come and trusts in her master, so too should I. My dog also knows what's important: food, shelter, devotion and love. She doesn't worry about loosing her home or think about where the next meal will come from....she trusts that I will provide. Do I expect her to never have an accident on the floor ever again or to be able to jump through hoops? Okay, the hoop thing would be cool, but no! I have her faith in me and her dedication to do her best to serve me. But most of all, I have her faith, love and devotion. Isn't that what God truly wants from us?

Dogs seem to understand better than us how to simplify, as well. They don't need a bunch of stuff to make them happy like we seem to think we do. (I can hear some of you snickering that have seen my doggie's wardrobe!) But to my dogs, I am enough, just as God tells us that He is sufficient. But I notice they also simplify relationships: a growl means "back off," a friendly sniff means "nice to meet you" and a tucked under tail often means "I'm sorry!" And they're always willing to give you another chance! They give you unconditional love and are quick to forgive.....how perfect would all our relationships be if we lived this way? No, "You should know what I'm thinking!" or phony smiles. Say it how it is and be quick to forgive and move on with love and trust always coming first. Kinda gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling, doesn't it? ;-)

I often wonder why I have such a passion for my pooches, but the more I watch them the more I am learning exactly why! I believe God uses them as a constant reminder to me of the important things in life. Like I stated in my last blog:

Live simply

Love generously

Care deeply

Speak kindly

Forgive quickly

But I would like to add:

Be faithful

Trust carefully

Serve willingly

I want to take my dog's example and trust in my master and give my time, faith, love, service and devotion to Him as a FIRST priority. I want to be honest, true, forgiving and living life as it comes without regret or dread. I want to live the simple yet fullfilling life my dog lives, knowing that all necessities will come as long as I love and serve my master. On that same note, I want to learn to be the kind of master to my dogs as my Lord is to me.

I therefore challenge us all, at this hectic yet joyful time of year as well as year round, to "live like a dog."