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What I learned From My Dog
by Nancy Quinn Oh, I love dogs. I have two furry companions who are loyal, loving and faithful, and I strive to be like them! You know the old saying "Lord, make me the person my dog thinks I am." As we watch dogs, we can really learn from them. Enthusiasm: There is no pet more enthusiastic than my dog Scooby. Whether I just take the garbage out, or am gone all day at work, he jumps and wags his tail and barks his greetings. When he goes to the treat jar, or I should say runs, his long legs flail as he slides his entry into the kitchen. Do we greet our families with loving enthusiasm when they come home? Do we share our faith with others in an enthusiastic way? Lord, make me loving and enthusiastic like my dog. (Acts 11:22) Loyalty: Scooby sits beside me and sometimes rests his head on my arm, making it challenging to continue my computer work. He follows right behind me whenever I walk through the house, so much so that he sometimes runs into me if I stop suddenly! And outdoor explorations become shorter when he hears my voice calling him back. Do I always feel Christ's nearness to me? Do I always hear His voice calling me back when I drift off course and quickly obey? Lord, make me ever loyal to Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 3:3) Forgiveness: There's nothing worse than a wet dog on a couch (well, maybe one that received a greeting from a skunk). And reluctantly Scooby obeys and jumps down from the couch when he's come out of the rain. But that's ok, he still dries off by rubbing himself along the couch (sigh)! Big, brown eyes watch the food move from the plate to my mouth, and he just silently watches. Are we forgiving of others when they ignore us and make us feel not welcome? Do we forgive when people withhold their friendship and kindness from us? Lord, give me a forgiving spirit toward others and allow the compassion of Christ to always show through me. (Matthew 18:21) My other loyal companion is a big, totally obedient Golden Retriever named Princess. She's got a quiet spirit and keeps a watchful eye on our home and over Scooby, but that's a lesson for another devotional. May God bless these words as I strive to encourage others in their walk with Christ. Please contact me if you would like to request a specific lesson that Lucy Mouse can teach your children or if you would like a coloring page to be sent to match the story! Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |