Be that person
This week on the radio I caught a short discussion about New Year’s resolutions. The consensus between the two hosts seemed to be that resolutions weren’t such a great idea–that most people don’t make resolutions or can’t keep them. Just as the conversation was concluding one made a point about the need for more kindness in our world. The other made a statement that has stuck with me:
Be the kind of person that your dog believes you are.
Now, if you have a dog (not a cat), you will know what this means. Dogs think we are the most wonderful creation. They love us unconditionally, even when (especially when) we’re having a bad day. Our dogs are always happy to see us, they are overjoyed when we give them attention, and they don’t hold grudges if you accidentally step on their paw.
Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all loved others the way our dogs love us?
Our Lord loves us in that special way:
We are a wonderful creation!
God created something amazing when He formed humanity. He saved the best for last–creating man and woman and God said it was, “Very good!” (Genesis 2:27-31)
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14
Our Lord loves us unconditionally.
That’s not to say that Jesus doesn’t have high expectations for us–He does. But, He loves us no matter what.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12-13
Our Lord is forgiving.
We are God’s people. We are dearly loved by Him (Colossians 3:12), thus we are called to forgive others. Because our Father is loving and forgiving, so should we.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13
So…back to our loving dog. How can we be that person that our pet believes us to be?
- We can be patient, kind, and loving to others.
- We can be forgiving.
- We can look for the best in others (rather than focusing on the negative).
- We can recognize that we are God’s awesome and amazing creation and love and respect ourselves and others.
- We can look to the Master for guidance.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35
Do you have a loving pet that has given you life lessons? Please share a comment so that we may have the gift of their wisdom. Our pets are also part of God’s marvelous creation.
We’ve been petless for a year, but one of the things I miss is the way the pets bring you into the present. The gossip at church, the traffic jam on the way home, the political gymnastics, the world peace struggles…these don’t go away but you get a reprieve for a few minutes as you hang out with your pet. A pet lives in the present – a cuddle, a treat, a walk, a nap on your lap – that’s all that really matters right now. And that can make you stop and appreciate the beautiful gifts of now – a warm blanket, a smile, a chuckle, or a much-needed nap.
Love your analysis and insight, Barb. I’d never considered this perspective, but you are absolutely right. Our pets keep us anchored in the here and now and rescue us from the negative hassles we deal with on a daily basis. Thank you for sharing this wonderful thought.
I’m a firm believer that God placed many of His character traits into our furry friends. Dogs, cattle, horses” Definitely. Forgiving, loyal, dependable, funny, patient. Cat’s? I’m not so sure of, but even they have their moments when they can bring about great peace and calm. I am certain that God reveals Himself in all of nature, if we remember to look for Him. Perhaps God and Dog are more than semordnilap words. Maybe we should strive to be the person God wants us to be. 🙂 Thank you for this enlightening and uplifting post ma’am. God’s blessings.
Goodness, I’m going to need to go to the dictionary to understand all of your message! As a rancher and animal lover, I know you have observed so many of nature’s gifts and her lessons. As always, I’m grateful for your encouragement and I know, like me, you will continue to strive for that goal. Thankfully, God is helping us on that journey!
Beautiful reminders, Katherine. Studying How Happiness Happens by Max Lucado who speaks about our “one another’s”. Your post compliments that study.
All of Max Lucado’s studies are good ones. I need to check out How Happiness Happens. Thank you for letting us know about it and for your encouragement. Wishing you a blessed week!
It is funny that you are writing the lessons from our pets, because my last blog and current blog were both on lessons from a dog bite. I got to be a dog hero by taking the bite from an attacking dog so our little dog wasn’t hurt. I wonder if there are ways I can shield others from attacks, and not just animals. I will have to think on that. Thanks for sharing.
What a brave and loving thing to do to protect your dog! We’d do that for our children, too, I think. I agree with your thought that we can shield others from harmful attacks, especially verbal ones. I think we learn powerful lessons from our pets–including protecting those who are weak and vulnerable. I’m looking forward to reading your blog this week.
I don’t always respond Katherine, but I loved this post. I find myself sometimes wishing I had my beautiful dogs disposition. Other than snooping in the garbage for bits of human food, he’s about perfect. He isn’t aggressive, except in his affection. He isn’t pretentious or picky. He isn’t I’ll natured or a grudge holder. He isn’t unkind or unfriendly. His expectations and anticipation remain high even though he didn’t get to ride last time. He is happy to see me open the door and wants me to stay as long as I will. He’s grateful for food, water, attention, playing, scratching, treats. He misses his friend across the street and barks for him to come out every time he goes outside. He shares his ball with the neighbors pets and doesn’t get angry when they keep it for a while. Yes.. I’ve got to raise my bar!!
So wonderful to hear from you, Vickie. God created such beautiful creatures and I think He took special care with dogs. He gifted them with loving, caring, and happy dispositions. They are perfect role models for us when it comes to looking for the best in others, recognizing and sharing the blessings of life, and loving others unconditionally. Wishing you a happy and blessed 2020, dear friend.
Hi Katherine,
Your post reminds me of a line I heard on “Father Brown” – a Netflix show. The episode had a dog in it, and Father Brown said that God made dogs to show humans an earthly example of His unconditional love. That stuck with me because, thinking back the dogs I’ve owned, that’s exactly the way they loved me.
Now I want another dog.
I like that show, too! Father Brown always has some good wisdom to share. Hope you get another dog soon. It’s great to be loved just as we are, unconditionally. Jesus and our dog can do it. The rest of us kind of struggle with that unconditional love. Wishing you continued blessings.
Perhaps I love dogs as much as I do because they seem to love unconditionally. They are wonderful examples of accepting their humans for who they are without expectation, except perhaps an occasional treat or belly rub, greet family members and friends without pretention or ulterior motives, and enjoy the simple things in life.
I have a lot to learn from my dog!
I’m so glad to have read this delightful post today.
Blessings,
Tammy
Thank you for your encouragement, Tammy. I agree, our dogs love us and have expectations for us that we can actually meet. (So different from how humans love each other, don’t you think?) I hope your week is blessed and that your dog gives you an extra doggy kiss.
Thank you for reminding us of God’s endless love and forgiveness, coupled with expectations we are to obey. Our daughter’s little Gabby, a terrier mix, stayed underfoot. Although I used caution, I’d sometimes step on her paw. As soon as I bent down to apologize, she’d wag her tail in forgiveness.
We have an outdoor kitty that thinks she is a dog. I have the same problem with her little feet getting under mine. But, she is so forgiving (even if she is a cat!) Of course, I still think dogs (including my own) have a amazing capacity for forgiveness that I’m still working to achieve.