I'm a dog person. I just can't help asking to pet the sweet looking dog that is walking its owner down the street. I like boxers and mostly playful bigger dogs, but maybe you prefer little dogs or even cats. There is just something wonderful about coming home and having your dog be so visibly excited that YOU are home!
I'm dog sitting this week for the sweetest dog. He reminds me of my own "baby" Trevor, whom we had to put down, but I still think of often. The first day we had him I wasn't gone more than 45 minutes to pick up the boys from school, but sure enough when I opened the door he was there to greet us so excitedly; you'd think we left him for days!
The way this friend greets me makes me think of the prodigal son. He runs with complete abandon for the one(s) he's been missing. And unabashedly shows the joy he has for your return.
This too is how God thinks of us. When we turn to Him, no matter how long we've been gone, He is purposeful about greeting us with Joy!
"So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:20; 24 )
God loves us without us meriting anything. He just chooses to love. All we have to do is decide to receive it. And then we will have more than we could ever want.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20)
Reflection question: Will you choose to receive His gift?
I'm dog sitting this week for the sweetest dog. He reminds me of my own "baby" Trevor, whom we had to put down, but I still think of often. The first day we had him I wasn't gone more than 45 minutes to pick up the boys from school, but sure enough when I opened the door he was there to greet us so excitedly; you'd think we left him for days!
The way this friend greets me makes me think of the prodigal son. He runs with complete abandon for the one(s) he's been missing. And unabashedly shows the joy he has for your return.
This too is how God thinks of us. When we turn to Him, no matter how long we've been gone, He is purposeful about greeting us with Joy!
"So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." "For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:20; 24 )
God loves us without us meriting anything. He just chooses to love. All we have to do is decide to receive it. And then we will have more than we could ever want.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Eph 3:20)
Reflection question: Will you choose to receive His gift?
Nice analogy Rena.
ReplyDeleteLovely, well-written piece on God's gifts: all creatures great and small.
ReplyDelete