puppy love

Because of his propensity to hog the bed, our dog is comfortably situated elsewhere in the house every night, securely separated from humankind. Last night, however, we dropped the ball. I woke this morning overheated, the length of my side cuddled by a blissful rat terrier. Giving his belly a scratch I couldn't help but think, this is the closeness God wants from me: the kind that radiates heat.

My dog longs to be near me. (How Jesus-esque.) He seizes every opportunity to get my attention, invite me to play, snuggle close. His favorite days are mutual adventures: long walks through rugged terrain. I love him and am grateful to have Chip in my life; and yet, often—usually—other matters are more pressing. After a quick pat on his head, I'm on to the next. (How like me, in relation to Jesus.)

Please, God, help me do a better job recognizing opportunities to love and be loved. I want a closer walk with you.



"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." ~ John 15:4-5