Last week, The Washington Post reported on scientific study that highlighted the benefits of owning a dog. Cardiologist Dhruv Kazi wrote: “Dogs offer companionship, reduce anxiety and loneliness, increase self-esteem, and improve overall mood.” This got me thinking.
As I sit at my computer to write this devotional, the little, creepy, hairless dog that I adore, has jumped in my lap, curled up in a ball, and fallen asleep.
I am pretty sure the reason I am crazy about this weird looking sausage with feet is because she continually reminds me that she loves me.
When I walk through the house, she is always one step behind me. When I work in my office, she’s always asleep on my lap. When I get up in the morning, she is so happy to see me you would have thought I had been gone for weeks. When I get home from work, she frantically jumps up and down until I pet her. When I am outside, she longingly stares out the window keeping track of every move I make. The bottom line is that she makes sure I know that I matter to her. And here’s the lesson.
There are times when I simply take for granted that God is present, blessing my life, and loves me. I don’t remember to give thanks for all that God has done. And with this in mind, I need to be more like my dog. She lets me know in a myriad of ways that she appreciates everything I do and wants to spend as much time with me as possible. I need to do the same with God.
The reason we give God thanks is to remind us how blessed we are. Seeing life through the lens of gratitude and appreciation gives us the proper framework to address the challenges of the day.
David said, “This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24
Take a few minutes to tell God thank you. It matters.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, please forgive my lack of gratitude and sense of entitlement. Help me to remember that every day is a gift from you. Fill my heart with gratitude, my mind with wisdom, and my mouth with words of joy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
A strong, productive spiritual foundation begins with gratitude. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Also, just for the record, the article on the benefits of having a dog said that dog owners are happier than cat owners. Just sayin’.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 