I am amazed by the things that are transpiring right now and how they parallel the things that I experienced one year ago. I am sure it is not a coincidence that what I reflected on just one year ago are the very same contemplation’s that fill my mind now. I am just sure what God is trying to tell me through this. At least not yet.
So once again when my memories from last year came up, I feel like it was worthy of sharing. Especially when it builds on some concepts I have already shared this week and resonates with the theme that seems to be developing for me this week; including Ellen’s message about being kind and how that applies to everyone – not just people with whom you share a commonality. I have gained a new respect for her. Her statement and this reflection share a common thread. So here it is…
I love dogs. I actually love animals, but I am partial to dogs (and cats). There is a dog beach located a short walk from the condo in which we are staying. While I obviously miss my boys when I travel, I also miss my animals, especially the dogs – Ruby and Eve. Cats are great, but they can be fickle and aloof and independent. And they are not always happy to see me. Dogs, on the other hand, are loyal, loving, and always happy.
I walk to the dog beach every day to get my “fix”. I am usually greeted by a few dogs that can just sense that I am dog person. Their owners always seem a bit apprehensive at first when their dog runs towards me, but once they realize that I fully welcome their furry companions attention, their nervousness turns to relief. We typically end up in a conversation about what else, our dogs.
The dog beach is filled with all types of dogs, big dogs and little dogs, senior dogs and puppies, furry dogs and short haired dogs, fat dogs and thin dogs, pure-breds and mutts. And their owners also come from every spectrum imaginable, men and women, young people and retirees, gay and straight, liberal and conservative, wealthy and poor, atheist and Christian, and every nationality and race imaginable. But the dogs don’t view each other by their different backgrounds or by the categories of gender, age, race, religion or political persuasion. They view each other as coming from the same family – canis lupus familiaris.
They are all dogs. It doesn’t matter if they are registered with the American Kennel Club or adopted from a shelter, if they are male or female, neutered or spayed, young or old, shaggy or short haired. They are happy to have the opportunity to run on the beach, chase a ball, walk with their owners, meet other dogs, play in the surf, run after the birds, or just lounge in the sand. You see, dogs don’t have an agenda or expectations. They are not worried about impressing each other or out to serve some self-interest. Watching them interact with each other and with their owners, you can clearly see what gratitude and happiness looks like. They are an example of pure, unadulterated joy. Dogs take nothing for granted. They have low expectations, they are accepting, and the love unconditionally. They delight in the simple things in life; a run/walk on the beach, enjoy the company of friends, the opportunity to play, and moments to sit rest and just be.
You see, we can learn a lot from dogs. They are accepting of each other. It doesn’t matter where they came from, what their current situation is, who their owners are, or how they came to be where they are. They are all part of the same family – canis lupus familiaris. They are dogs. And they know gratitude. Remember, gratitude leads to joy.
Maybe if we started to treat each other as part of the same family – humankind, and less like all of the labels that we attach to ourselves and to one another, we would be better able to operate from a place of gratitude and travel that path that leads to joy. Today, look beyond someone who is not like you and see and appreciate the human being who they are. Be thankful for the simple things in your life. And take that first step on the path to joy.
Please pray for me and I will continue to pray for you.
Tattoos, Motorcycles, Beer, Bourbon and Faith 