“Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.”  James 4:8a  NLT

Each day holds a different dance for Famous and me. By that, I mean our steps to and away from each other vary even though we will retrace similar patterns. For example, each morning and afternoon you will see us walking up and down our street. But there are the familiar back rubs while I am sitting down or his approach following dinner signaling my turn  to reward him with a treat. The variations where he surprises me and jumps in my lap or lays on my feet give me the most joy.

We have a daily dance with God. There are days when we draw close for hours at a time. But most days there are but fleeting moments when we are actively seeking God. And I imagine God delights in all of these times, but especially the ones that are fresh and new.

God, You are the Lord of the Dance. Teach me to draw closer today.

“The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”  Proverbs 10:22  NLT

From the moment we became a pair, our reputation started to precede us. People sometimes heard of Famous before they heard of me. Rich and Famous work much better as a team, as evidenced by the 5K fun-run’s announcer broadcasting our “first dog” finish. And when I tell friends his name, they are baffled until they put our names together.

The “deal” we made as he came home with me was for him to make me rich and for me to make him famous. He seems to get more press than the average dog, and I am certainly blessed by him. The richness he brings each and every day makes me truly blessed.

God’s blessings are not double-edged. They are complete and unconditional. In other words, God does not expect us to suffer because of his gifts. They are sent to assist us on our journey and make it a little easier.

Help me to see the true meaning of wealth in the gifts and provisions given by You.

“Sing to the LORD; bless his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves.”  Psalm 96:2  NLT

In celebrating a birthday with a friend, looking back on the years and thinking about the possibilities in the years to come, we stopped to remember each day as a gift in itself. Famous is a daily reminder of the gift of time–not something that robs us of youth and health, but something which gives us memories and new opportunities. Even when it seems during the day that I am “running out of time,” Famous can help me pause and indulge in a sweet, loving moment. My account is full of memories, my cup runneth over!

One of my lessons learned many years ago, and one which I attempt to share often with others, is practicing the presence of God. This involves active seeking and waiting. It is a way of finding beautiful moments with God which are meant to delight both the Creator and his creation. If God did not intend for each day to be a gift, I believe time would then stand still or not exist at all.

Dear Lord God, I seek your help in discovering hundreds, if not thousands, of special moments today.

“But God never left himself without a witness. There were always reminders, such as sending you rain and good crops and giving you food and joyful hearts.”  Acts 14:17  NLT

It has been one of those weeks. You wonder if the fabric of life is coming unraveled. Several strands are intact and parts of life go on as normal. But there are small holes becoming larger and areas becoming weaker.

Rather than stepping back and seeing the full tapestry, we have the habit of examining the  holes and becoming obsessed with them. Whenever we do this, the beauty of the whole work is forgotten. We only see damage, neglect, and harm.

I doubt Famous ever does this. He always sees the bigger picture and likes to bask in its wonder. His infectious love of life quickly helps to alter my perspective.

The Bible reminds us God’s people were frequently facing life’s hardships. But they were never abandoned. Just as God reminded them of his presence with “ordinary” blessings, so He reminds me with just a dog that He is always near and always watching over me.

In the difficult days, remind me to look up and behold your glory!

“Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth.”  Revelation 16:18  NLT

With an approaching thunderstorm on the horizon a neighbor asked if Famous was afraid of thunder. I answered saying he usually manages very well. Truthfully, he will bark and notify me if the clap makes the house shake, as if I could not feel it myself. But otherwise he remains calm. This may not be the case if he is alone during a storm, but I have never seen evidence of anxiety on his part upon my return.

When Famous was very small I tried to show him how things were going to be in the world. There would be wind, and rain, and storms. We both enjoy the first two on occasion, but storms require shelter and patience. During one thunderstorm we experienced during our first summer together, I opened the backdoor so we could hear the thunder in all of its fury. I lay down on the floor with Famous beside me and reassured him every time there was a mighty clap. This was easy! We could face loud noises together.

Just as I calmed Famous during the storm, so God will be watching over us during the end time of destruction. God can become our shelter today from lies, harm, and evil, and comfort us during our worst fears.

God, teach me to not fear and to remember You are a “shelter in the time of storm.”

“Now rescue your beloved people. Answer and save us by your power.”  Psalm 60:5  NLT

You have read the slogan associated with A.A.R.F. (Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation), “Who rescued whom?” It implies when we help another creature we are helping ourselves.

Famous helps me in the way that many dogs help their human companions. He rescues me from loneliness, he responds to my initiatives, and he gives me a purpose in perpetuating his well-being.

I know his instincts make him a good companion and protector. But he also inspires me to be in the present moment, to put others first, and to give thanks and praise to God.

God knows what we need to survive each and every day. When we need protection from harm, He sends his Spirit to be with us, even if we are facing death. When we need a lifeline to bring us from the depths of despair and grief, He wraps his loving arms around us. Because He loves us, He will not let us perish from existence. He will send a dog to accompany someone on his journey, and He has sent a Savior to bring us into his eternal home.

Before I ask You, Father, to rescue me today, show me how I can help rescue another.

“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”  Mathew 9:37-38  NLT

I would wager Famous does not have difficulty finding his purpose. I mean, he is a dog, and he does it very nicely. He knows he is to watch the house while I am away. And although it would be nice, he is not confused into thinking he is supposed to clean the house too. (And in case some of you sense a bit of disappointment, I will quickly say I am delighted that he can be trusted to not destroy the house while I am gone.)

However, some of us go around wondering if we are doing what we were meant to do, if we are in the right relationship, or what is life going to demand of us as we move through the years ahead. I have concluded these questions are less bothersome as we age, even if the answers are just as unclear.

But regardless of our age or circumstance, whether we are married, dating, or single, or whether we are confident in life or struggling to get by, there is a huge reason for purposeful living each and everyday: being the person God has created and using our gifts and talents to pray and to go. We pray that everyone find fulfillment by being the creature God has intended. This will lead us into the fields and enable others to follow.

Father, forgive me for only see my purpose through my own eyes and desires. Help me to open my heart to your guidance. 

“Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.”  Matthew 9:35  NLT

More so than Famous, when we walk through a park or down a sidewalk, I am watching for people who might cross our path. First and foremost, I am making sure he is safe, particularly from dogs that might not be socialized, but also from people on bicycles or skateboards, and anyone who might act unpredictably. I walk as if I am his bodyguard.

Secondly, I am aware we could pose a risk to someone else, for example if his leash transversed the path of a bicyclist. I have never seen him exhibit aggressive behavior toward dogs or people during our excursions. In fact, he is an aggressive pacifist if there is such a thing.

But thirdly, I am actively looking for opportunities where I can help him share his goodness, sweetness, and joy. People want to reach out to him, to touch his soft ears, or to willingly indulge him in a belly rub. I am convinced he has lifted many a fowl mood.

This is his nature, helping healing to happen in the moment. Jesus walked with healing in his wake, helping all to see God’s goodness and mercy.

By your power, Lord, enable me to bring healing rather than hurt, wholeness rather than division, and joy rather than sorrow.

“So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart.”  Philippians 1:7  NLT

June is special for it is the month in which Famous and I first met. He was born on a farm in northern Virginia, and I can imagine it would have been an excellent place where he could have spent his years. He would have shared those years with other springers and their trainers as well as the horses and land that would have made him a right happy southern dog.

Someone asked me today if I had other dogs, and I admitted Famous was my one and only pet. This has always been the nature of our relationship. He would be my companion, and I would be his friend. Our devotion is not divided, and I am happy when our anniversary arrives and I can say we have made another good year of it together.

No one else knows him as well as I do. I know his routine, his expectations, his pleasures, and his irritants. But I could spend every second of the day with him, and I would still not understand him anywhere near as well as God understands me. Just as Paul had a special place in his heart for the church at Philippi, so Famous, because he encourages me to serve the Lord, has a special place in mine.

Lord, your constant reminders of your love for me only help me to love You and serve You more.

“Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”  Ezra 10:4  NLT

Discipline is an integral component of the responsibility of owning a pet. I could cite many reasons, but like most of us, our pets need order in their lives. Discipline helps to establish relational boundaries, expectations, and responses. If this duty is done well at the beginning of the relationship, it will provide satisfaction for both companions throughout a dog’s life.

One of the proofs of a well-trained dog is not how he behaves with his master, but how he behaves around strangers and guests. Famous is great when he says hello to neighbors or strangers on the street. But the guest in our home has to endure nearly two minutes of “greeting” with jumps and friendly sniffs unless I am diligent to give him specific commands. He notices instantly when my attention is directed at our “intruder” instead of him. So he is poorly disciplined in this regard,  but his friendly temperament could not be better displayed.

Often we try to display our best piety and sincerity when we are aware of God’s presence. But how do we act each day when He brings guests and strangers into our lives? Are we quick to judge them before discovering God’s Spirit that may abide in them? God has demonstrated how we are to walk this earth–in the footsteps of Jesus.

Christ, thank you for showing me how to greet your world!