I want to emulate my Goldendoodle, Chewie (short for Chewbacca). Heart heart heart!
He has unconditional love…always. He greets us EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. the same way. First, he barks because he is kind of a ding dong and is trying to protect his beloved family. But once our ditzy Goldendoodle realizes it’s us, even though we have abandoned him all day long and might have yelled at him as we were leaving, all is forgotten as he runs to the door and begins jumping for joy, kissing us repeatedly.
He is affectionate…always! While we are watching TV, he will come up behind us and literally give us a hug with his big ole lanky front legs and rest his head on our shoulder. Or squeeze up next to us on the couch, lay his head on our lap and hold our hand with his furry paw.
He is fun…always! He is never too tired to play. He never turns down a chance to go for a walk or run with one of us. Every object is a toy. And going outside never gets old! Like it’s his first outdoor experience…each and every time…he is full of wonder and bounces around like a calf put out to pasture.
He is happy…always! He adds life to the space he is in. I’ve never seen him mope, or act sad and dejected. He walks with a skip in his step, excited about life and in love with his people.
We’ve neglected him, disciplined him too harshly, rejected his love…
He’s pooped in the house, eaten Tucker’s sandwich, chewed up earbuds…
And yet he holds no grudges, has no regrets and has no shame.
Lord, help me to be like that! I want to be fun and love people well. Forgive quickly. Get over my stupid mistakes. And see the joy in every moment.
This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
But as for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2
He Makes All Things New 