Belly-Rubs and Bones

These are two of my puppy's favorites.  I gladly give them, although the bones are a very special treat.  Can't give Redford too many of those - it could make him sick.  The belly-rubs, however, are given very often - whenever he is docile enough to enjoy them.  Otherwise, he is nipping at my hands and squirming so much that he cannot enjoy the simple pleasure of the belly-rub. 

Sometimes I think God gives belly-rubs.  Seriously.  I think there are times that He sees we are relaxed and focused on Him and his goodness and He chooses that time to fill us with His peace and love. That's a belly-rub from God.  We are just still and quiet and can enjoy His presence.  I like those times.  I can get a belly-rub from God whenever I choose to relax and focus on Him. 

Bones, however, are another story.  If I give Redford too many bones or other treats, he ignores the "healthy" food that is available to him.  Too many "bones" could even make him sick.  So, I reserve the bones for very special times.  Those times when I just want to show him how much I love him.  The bones are are usually given when he leasts expects it.  They are something I do just to make him happy. 

Sometimes God gives me bones, too.  I don't deserve them.  Not by a long shot.  But, when I least expect it, a nice juicy bone will come my way.  It is at those times that I know that God loves me just because I'm me.  Not because of anything I have done.  He approves of me just because I belong to Him.  BUT . . . if God gave me bones all the time, I would have no reason to seek Him.  Nope, the bones have to be given sparingly.  That's what makes them so special. 

Belly-rubs and bones.  Two of life's simple pleasures.  Gladly given by the Master.

Puppy Ponderings

We have ended a year of major life changes with yet one more:  the adoption of a puppy.  Why?  Not sure - maybe to fulfill the need for a new purpose; maybe to replace my independent (for the most part) children; maybe just to have unconditional love. 

Or . . . maybe I need to be the master (or, rather, mistress) of something. Coming off a year that, at times, seemed out of my control, maybe I desire something that will allow me to be totally in control.

I think I will be a kind, loving master.  I have learned from the best Master.  He has shown me, especially over the past year, the things a good master does.  He has provided by opening doors to a whole new life for my husband and me. He has been patient when I have doubted His goodess.  He has protected us from all the things that could have caused us worry and stress during the chaos and uncertainty.  He has gently led us to a new phase in our lives and the re-establishment of a home in a new place.  He has given us above and beyond all we could have imagined.

I expect that, over his 10 short weeks of life, things have seemed out of control for my little puppy, too.   Abandoned, along with his siblings, in a garbage can.  Rescued and cared for by a foster family and then, along with his brothers and sister, moved yet again to the local shelter and put up for adoption. Finally, separated from his family and brought into yet another home. That's a lot of adjustment for this little guy.  And he had no control over any of these events. 

So, I will do the things for my puppy that my Master has done for me.  Not demanding the impossible, but encouraging my little companion to succeed in his little puppy life. I will be patient and reward him when he succeeds.  I will keep  him safe.  I will provide a good home for him.  He obviously needs my help.  He needs my protection. He needs my provision. 

Yes, he needs a loving master to take care of him.