Sometimes when I’m sitting, staring at my laptop, Brody (my sister’s dog) comes over to me and puts his head right on top of the keyboard. As if to say, “I’m here, pay attention to me.” Sometimes it annoys me, like when I’m working or writing or doing something that involves any amount of great attention. But other times, I look down at his brown nose and say, “Ok Brody, I’ll pet you now.” And I put away my laptop and rub his tummy.
I think this is how God feels. Although He’s way more of a gentleman about it than Brody is. When I’m so caught up in my life. When I’m searching the internet or worried about my next job or worried that I won’t be able to finish my current job or thinking about clothes or something someone said that hurt my feelings or my life in five years or if I should text whomever God wants to just put his head on top of whatever I’m preoccupied with and say, “I’m here, pay attention to me.”
I need to be reminded of that. That God is here. Right here. In the midst of my preoccupation with only He knows what, He is right here. And that whatever I’m going on and on about in my mind or with my mouth, God is here. Working in this. Resting in this. Handling and coping with this. Nothing is too big for Him. And nothing should preoccupy my daily thoughts more than Him. No matter how important it seems at the time.
A few weeks ago I saw this video and it broke me down. I cried and I cried.
Ever since I moved in with Brody, I’ve been learning a lot of lessons about God through this little Cock-a-Poo. God used this video to teach me another one. I’ll write about more of them a little later. I’m so grateful for the ways that God teaches me. I’m grateful that He takes the time to explain things to me in a way that makes these things finally click. Even though sometimes I forget them later and He has to reteach them to me again.
Love.
Great post! Also made me appreciate our family dog more. This post brought the story of Martha and Mary to mind (Luke 10:38-42). Martha is running around preparing and preoccupied; Mary is just sitting at Jesus' feet, soaking in His presence, listening for His voice, hearing His instruction. I resonated with Martha for the longest time; a preoccupied planner who longs to host a dinner party for the comfort or her guests and the prestige of having succeeded. The words of Jesus to Martha were always seemed annoyingly zen-ish to me and went right over my head; "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." Yeah yeah but when is Mary going to get off her duff and help me! God's patience is a marvel!
ReplyDeleteI am slowly learning that rest in Christ isn't a privilege, it's a necessity! May we take down time daily and enjoy the love lavished on us by God! xo