Loving God like my dog would
By Jessica Brodie
One of the most adorable things about our dog, Scout, was the way he’d welcome us home. No sooner would the garage open or the key turn in the lock than he’d be up from whatever nap he was taking or toy he was devouring. Tail wagging, he’d bound over like we’d been gone for a week, even if we’d just been to the grocery store.
It made us feel so loved and appreciated! He’d drop everything because we were that important to him. All plans paused—to Scout, we were priority.
Scout passed away a few years ago, and our welcome-homes are decidedly different today with just our cat. While she definitely shows us she loves us in her own special cat way, I miss those boisterous doggy greetings. They made me feel special, like I was the center of His universe.
I’m certainly not the center of the universe, thankfully. God is. But thinking about our dog and his great capacity for love, I wonder if the way I’m treating God, the center of my universe, stacks up. When God calls or whispers, do I say, “Yes! God! I’m here!” all eager and excited, ready to drop all my plans for Him? Or do I put him off, ask Him to hang on while I take care of whatever I was doing?
I’m ashamed of the times I’ve—whether intentionally or accidentally—relegated the Lord of our universe to second-tier status, putting my own priorities, plans, and wants on the top shelf.
When asked what is the first and greatest commandment, Jesus told us it is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37 NIV).
My dog certainly showed through his actions that he loved us with all his heart, soul, and mind. I pray I can love God the same way I’m sure my dog would.