lessons learned about our relationship with God through our Canine creatures.

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The other day I got to thinking how much our dog wants to please us. Our black Lab, Sargon, seems to be happiest when he pleases his master. He will wag his tail when you call his name. He will run and jump when you throw his ball. 

My son reminded me one time that Black labs are working dogs. They are happiest when doing things.  At the base of our stairs were a dirty pair of socks.I called Sargon to come down. He ran down those stairs wagging his tail when his name was called. I told Sargon to bring the socks upstairs. He immediately grabbed them by his mouth and cheerfully ran up the stairs.  

Sargon was happiest when he could please his master.

I started thinking how we were meant for a purpose. Just as Sargon was happiest to please me, his master, we ought to be happiest to please our God the father. 

So often, it seems, we are quick to curse God under our breath, or use God's name in vain while cursing others on the roadway without any thought to the long-range effects of our cursing. We allow our emotions to rule how we respond to those around us. We forget that as a general rule our emotions fluctuate from moment to moment in time, much like the stock market does on an hour to hour basis.

Just as Sargon's master was pleased when he came at the calling of his name, we ought to find ways to please our Loving Father in heaven by using His name, not in a cursing way, but in a blessing way. Instead of cursing the driver who just cut you off, say a prayer for that person because you do not know what he or she is going through at this point in time. They might have received the news they thought they would never get and in their state of panic unleash negative emotional responses to everyone encountered.

Even in grief, God desires us to draw near to him by obediently doing the things that please Him even if the only energy you have is to put one foot in front of the other and honor God with your presence at His Church each Sunday. 

God is still honored. When you can do that do not be surprised if God were to bring people into your life to encourage you that day.