I’ve been away from my home, away from my blog for several days. My father-in-law died last week and our lives have been turned inside out and upside down as we have dealt with the loss of a loved one and with all the hard physical and emotional work that arises when a parent’s home must be dismantled and parceled out.

I don’t mean to be at all flippant, but it is at times like this that I find grace in my dogs.

Dogs are wonderful creatures, and anyone who loves a dog knows it makes perfect sense that “dog” is simply “God” spelled backwards. What greater example is there of loving, willing obedience than a disciplined dog?

I frequently take my dogs out in the back yard while I do a quick task — fill the bird feeder, pull a weed I noticed while looking out the window, or clip a few flowers or herbs to bring into the house. Like all dogs, my pooches have favorite pursuits in the back yard. One likes to lie in the sun. The other likes to chase squirrels. They both like to follow me around as I do what I need to do.

But these are quick tasks, and soon it’s time to come in — which my mutts don’t want to do. But because they are obedient, disciplined dogs, they come in when called, tails wagging.

Of course, what they don’t know in that moment is that I have even more enjoyable activities planned for them in my own time. There will be a long walk. I may have a treat in the house. Or perhaps I’ve planned some first rate cuddle time with lots of canine massage. All they know is that their immediate activities, things they enjoy doing, have been cut short. But because they trust me, because they are obedient, disciplined dogs, they come when called without any knowledge of a future reward.

I wish I could be more like my dogs.

My pleasant life is frequently interrupted by events that range anywhere from inconvenient to heartbreaking. In the moment I don’t know why I have been burdened. But that’s because I don’t know God’s greater plan. If I am obedient and disciplined I will obey and do what must be done, trusting that God has greater rewards in store for me than I can imagine. Like my dogs, I, too, have a master, only my Master’s plans have secured me far beyond an afternoon and well into eternity. I can’t wag my tail, but I can go where my Master calls me with a joyful heart.

Wishing you a space for grace in your life today,
Kate