My husband and I regularly laugh about the way our two dogs behave. They have such different personalities that it is almost like observing children at times. Bailey is an eleven-year-old cocker spaniel who is content to sit in the sun and stare at whatever is going on in the world for hours on end. Eventually he gets sleepy and takes a nap, and that is pretty much the extent of it. He likes people but isn’t much for being cuddled and he gets bored with attention fairly quickly.
On the other hand, our two-year-old black lab is a completely different story. Tegan is the poster child for loving life. Every little thing excites him and at times it is pretty hysterical. My husband likes to “imitate” Tegan in a voice that he thinks sounds like what we might hear if the dog could talk. He refers to the two of us as Mom and Dad, and Tegan knows those names now from hearing them so often.
Mornings are crazy with Tegan because he is thrilled over everything that happens. It is almost as if he is saying, “Oh goodie! It’s morning. I love mornings! Mornings are the greatest! Oh goodie, there’s Mom. I love Mom! Mom is the greatest! Oh goodie! Breakfast! I love breakfast! Breakfast is the greatest! Oh goodie! Dad’s up! I love Dad! Dad is the greatest!” To see Tegan’s response to each little thing he encounters is just adorable because he has such an innocent joy over the most mundane happenings. It is almost the exact same routine every single day, but he still has renewed enthusiasm each time.
This morning I was struck with a thought that was so simple yet so profound that I literally yelled, “I have to write that down!” We were once again laughing over Tegan’s excitement when my husband came out of the bedroom, and I realized at that moment that I need to be more like my dog! Each morning, I should open my eyes and think; “I am so excited to be blessed with a new day!” Instead, I often wish it were still nighttime so I could sleep longer. As I get dressed and prepare food I should feel gratitude for the things that have been provided for my comfort and sustenance rather that dwelling on the fact that I haven’t been able to buy any new outfits in awhile, or that I am awfully tired of oatmeal every morning.
And of course, most important of all, I should be thrilled to have the privilege of spending time with my Savior every morning! Like Tegan, the prospect of being near the Master should fill me with boundless joy! Why then do I sometimes view it as a chore? How is it that sometimes my devotions slide to the bottom of the priority list? Psalm 100 encourages us to, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.” How often do I really do that? Or even feel that way? I want to be able to say (sincerely) the words in Isaiah 61:10. “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God.” My desire is to have such a deep connection with my Lord that each day He blesses me with will be cause for celebration. That each nugget of wisdom He reveals to me through His word will be a reason to rejoice. I want to look forward to sitting at His feet so much so that my adoration for Him can not be contained. Just like Tegans’ overwhelming joy at the dawn of a new day, a full breakfast dish and the chance to play with us, my goal is to eagerly anticipate every gift from God and respond with boundless gratitude.
