Friday, May 27, 2011
Dogs and Devotion
It was a special occasion day and I was enjoying a vigorous walk, with my beautiful wife, along the edge of the sea. At several points in our excursion we encountered individuals who were accompanied by their best friends – their dogs. As these good people worked their way down the trail we watched their canine companions crisscross the path, diligently marking new territory. Naturally their furry friends also eventually stopped to make other deposits. It was as I watched these caring people dutifully pull small plastic bags from their pockets, scoop up their pet’s waste and then carry their smelly cargo on down the path that I pondered this question: “What would happen if we showed as much devotion to our families as we do to our pets?”
I have seen people go to extraordinary lengths to care for their dogs. They will take them for long walks, in inclement weather, stopping whenever called upon, and pleasantly providing a one-sided conversation along the way. I have personally paid a great deal of money for my dogs’ food, lodging, toys and accessories. Some devoted dog owners are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to include their puppy on a cross-country vacation. This sometimes includes choosing a different hotel and finding eating and entertainment establishments that make allowances for their particular type of traveling companion. I’ve known people who can barely pay their rent, but they gladly spend a major portion of their budget on high quality dog foods and high dollar boarding arrangements. Then there are the doctor bills which most people pay out of pocket – the extent and the costs of pet care are now rivaling those of human health care. Yet, with tender hearts, we pay.
My purpose in commenting on these observations is not to pass judgment, but to spark contemplation. It strikes me that we will often gladly do for our pets what we might resent doing for our families. Think about it:
• Do you give family members as many back rubs as you give your dog?
• Would you forgive you children for using the restroom on the floor as easily as you forgive your dog?
• How many times are you willing to get up in the middle of the night for a child?
• While going to the store, are you willing as to stop and wait for a dawdling 6 year old who is curious about something along the way?
• Do you lavish just as many reassuring and complimentary comments on people as you do pets?
Human beings have an immense capacity for devotion. Our relationships with our pets prove that. It is my theory that people are more loving and kinder than they care to show other humans. Pets are often easier to lavish love upon, because they don’t talk to us, neither do they talk to others about us. I make no criticism of those devoted to their pets, but I believe our devotion to our fellow man and to our God can be an even more meaningful and rewarding venture.
St Paul advised, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10 NIV) King Solomon’s wisdom caused him to pray like this: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” (1 Kings 8:23 NLT)
Devotion – you’ve got it in you. Take a risk and invest it in your fellow man and in your Creator. The fruit of such devotion will be amazing and eternal.
I have seen people go to extraordinary lengths to care for their dogs. They will take them for long walks, in inclement weather, stopping whenever called upon, and pleasantly providing a one-sided conversation along the way. I have personally paid a great deal of money for my dogs’ food, lodging, toys and accessories. Some devoted dog owners are willing to spend hundreds of dollars just to include their puppy on a cross-country vacation. This sometimes includes choosing a different hotel and finding eating and entertainment establishments that make allowances for their particular type of traveling companion. I’ve known people who can barely pay their rent, but they gladly spend a major portion of their budget on high quality dog foods and high dollar boarding arrangements. Then there are the doctor bills which most people pay out of pocket – the extent and the costs of pet care are now rivaling those of human health care. Yet, with tender hearts, we pay.
My purpose in commenting on these observations is not to pass judgment, but to spark contemplation. It strikes me that we will often gladly do for our pets what we might resent doing for our families. Think about it:
• Do you give family members as many back rubs as you give your dog?
• Would you forgive you children for using the restroom on the floor as easily as you forgive your dog?
• How many times are you willing to get up in the middle of the night for a child?
• While going to the store, are you willing as to stop and wait for a dawdling 6 year old who is curious about something along the way?
• Do you lavish just as many reassuring and complimentary comments on people as you do pets?
Human beings have an immense capacity for devotion. Our relationships with our pets prove that. It is my theory that people are more loving and kinder than they care to show other humans. Pets are often easier to lavish love upon, because they don’t talk to us, neither do they talk to others about us. I make no criticism of those devoted to their pets, but I believe our devotion to our fellow man and to our God can be an even more meaningful and rewarding venture.
St Paul advised, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10 NIV) King Solomon’s wisdom caused him to pray like this: “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven above or on the earth below. You keep your covenant and show unfailing love to all who walk before you in wholehearted devotion.” (1 Kings 8:23 NLT)
Devotion – you’ve got it in you. Take a risk and invest it in your fellow man and in your Creator. The fruit of such devotion will be amazing and eternal.
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