Lessons From Dogs
(c) 2004 Joseph Mazzella
There is a joyous ringing in my house these days. It
comes from a bouncing, jumping, tail wagging, face
licking bundle of happiness with a jingle bell on its
collar. It comes from a rapidly growing, four-legged
shadow that follows my daughter everywhere. It comes
from an innocent faced, brown eyed ball of energy
that has made itself at home in our house and in our
hearts.
Yes, we have taken yet another adorable, loving puppy
into our lives. My daughter named her Pepper, but we
more often call the little, tail chaser Peppy these
days. The name seems to fit this blissful, little,
bark machine. I have no doubt that this small, cute,
and furry pup will soon grow to be the size of a baby
hippo, but it doesn’t matter. We will love her forever
anyway.
Why do we humans love dogs so much? Maybe it is
because they love us so much. I have four living with
me now and have owned over a dozen in my lifetime. I
can’t even picture my life without them. Inmates in
prison, the sick in hospitals, and even patients in
mental institutions will lower their defenses and
offer their love again when a dog appears. Children,
teenagers, adults, and the elderly all live brighter,
happier, and healthier lives because dogs are in them.
Dogs truly are one of the greatest gifts that God ever
gave us. They give us unconditional love just as God
does and remind us daily that we too can love this way
if we choose.
Let us all take some lessons then from our four-legged
friends. Let us offer our love freely, openly, and
happily to all those around us. Let us share our joy,
energy, and enthusiasm with everyone we meet. Let us
play, laugh, and enjoy just being alive. Let us live
our lives with a smiling face and open arms just as
they do with a wagging tail and a nuzzling nose. Let
us be a glorious gift from God to ourselves, our loved
ones, and everyone else and make the world a better
place just by being in it. Let us follow our dogs’
wise example and just love.
| |
About the Author
Joseph Mazzella is a member of the Just A Minute
Christian Writers group. Get an uplift in your
inbox by subscribing to "Just A Minute" at:
www.justaminute.faithweb.com
|
|
