Old dog, young dog

While there are many dog walkers in my neighborhood, I am especially amused by a particular family and their dogs.

Almost always, two of the family members walk the two dogs. An old canine and a pup. In fact, it is their habit to do two laps. Both dogs on the first round and then the tuckered out elder is dropped at the family home and the pup goes out for more excitement.

It seems like a wise approach. Less as needed; more where necessary.

Yet, even that single time 'round is revealing. This week as I passed, I noticed the young 'un tugging his leash to move along faster and the old man, he was trailing well behind. Dun.

If you stop to picture the dogs and their inner messages, how hard is it to leap to considering the state of our own spirit? How are you? Where are you? Full of vim and vigor? Needful of a rest?

Young, or not so… Energized, or bone tired… Brimming with hope, or needing an infusion thereof… I remind you that we have a Savior, a Shepherd, a God who finds us right where we are and loves us. It is called mercy and grace.

Pastor Leah