Happiness is warm puppy

     That's how Charles Schultz described happiness; a warm puppy.  Well; I can relate.  We had at least one dog through more than half of our marriage.  In the last dozen years or so, life happened; including a son who developed allergies to pet dander.  We gave it a go about 7 years back, but his system couldn't take it.

     That all changed about 2 weeks ago.  A cute little stray ended up in our home for a few hours.  Mitch didn't react.  The pooch was delightful.  The owner posted signs and we obviously had to give the dog back.  But we had the bug.  We've been checking around for a couple of weeks and visiting shelters looking for a dog to rescue.  We brought one home yesterday.  Who could resist that little face?
     I was reminded this morning of a few lessons to be learned from "man's best friend" and their connection to my relationship to my master, Jesus.  I don't mean to be simplistic, but here are my thoughts:

1. Lacey doesn't like being away from us.  When one of us leaves; she cries.  
2. Lacey comes running when we call.  She is anxious to obey.
3. Lacey is excited when we walk in the door.  It's almost like the best part of her day begins when we are finally there.
4. Lacey almost seems happy to have been rescued from "that place."  I realize that I'm superimposing human emotions on a puppy, but it sure seems that way.
5. Lacey seems to like just being with us.  When we want her to go out to the back yard, she happily complies...as long as we go with her.

     OK, like I said; we're dog lovers.  I recognize that she has not thought any of these things through.  I'm sure that, when she is sniffing through the fence to her dog neighbor on the other side, they are not talking to each other about how amazing their masters are, and she isn't trying to recruit other dogs to join our yard.  I don't want to take it too far.

     But those things about life seeming better for Lacey when she is with us really do seem true.  On whatever level it happens, she seems much more settled and content when we are around.  And she really does come when I call and sit down in front of me; I only imagine that she is sitting there waiting for my instructions.

     So even if you take away my "puppy-love," there are still good lessons to learn.  Am I anxious to sit at my master's feet waiting for instructions?  Do I look forward to the opportunities that I have to just sit down "next to" him and rest?  Do I hesitate to go anywhere unless I am sure he is going there with me?

     How much simpler would my life be if I would adopt some of these lessons and quit trying to out think my master?  A lot simpler, I suspect.

     What are some other lessons you would draw from watching a pet?