While a Puppy Grows, Our Faith Can Grow, Too.
In July of this past year, we welcomed into our hearts and our home a new puppy. Parker, a goldendoodle, has commonly been referred to as Clifford the big red dog. His growth has surpassed what we expected. His physical growth has reminded me of tools we can all use to enhance our spiritual growth in our own faith walks.
Take time to rejoice every day. Puppies begin their mornings happy to usher in a new day. Their tail-wagging and jumping ways remind us we all have reasons to celebrate God's goodness in our lives.
Rest when your body needs tender moments to recharge. I am amazed Parker can play with one toy for a long period of time and transition to a nap in the simple blink of an eye. It is our tendency, in this fast-paced world with lofty expectations, to simply go non-stop. God calls us to rest, and we need to obey this command.
Lean into the one who loves us the most. Almost every night, close to bedtime, my sweet puppy will jump into my chair, sit beside me and lean into me for several moments.
I will pet his sweet head, and Parker will share with me some of the calmest moments of his day. Thank you, Jesus that those moments actually exist! In our walks of faith, our hearts find the greatest peace when we can truly lean into our heavenly Father. His presence can provide each one of us with immense comfort during whatever season we may find ourselves.
Practice the pause. Teaching a puppy how to walk on a leash requires more patience than teaching 24 6th graders how to solve order of operations equations with integers. I know this because I am a teacher by trade. Parker learned to tug on his leash, jump on his leash and eat his leash long before he learned to walk on a leash. He is still very much a work in progress. When we began "leash training boot camp," garbage day made me say "non-Christian like" words in my head. Please forgive me, Jesus. However, as time has moved forward, I have learned to appreciate that precious moment when he slowly sniffs one bag at a time. I have learned to watch as clouds float by, listen as wind gently blows through my towering pine trees and savor the simple warmth of the bright sun. I have learned to practice the pause. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the constant stressors of your daily routine? Step outside and pause. Admire God's creation. Pausing places our hearts in a position of gratitude, and our Almighty Creator rejoices.
Finally, live in the moment. Whether Parker sniffs the grass, plays with a toy, slings water out of his water bowl or eats his leash while walking, he savors each moment. Our Almighty Father commands us to do the same, no matter the speed at which we live our days.
As this new year begins, may we all ...
Take time to rejoice every day.
Rest.
Lean into the one who loves us the most.
Practice the pause, and be attentive to God's greatness.
Live in the moment.
Amen.
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