Russellings of the Spirit

Look at these dogs. It is safe to say – with absolutely zero bias whatsoever – that you are looking at a picture of The Best Dogs in the World.

This picture shows Rosie (on the left, with the red leash) and Patrick, the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers.

I took this picture as we were headed out on our Saturday walk through the neighborhood.

As fond as I am of these lovable furballs, what I most hope you notice about this picture is not them, but rather their LEASHES. Do you see how tightly pulled they are? Do you get a sense of the way I am nearly being pulled off my feet as they are straining forward, eager to take the next step on this magical journey?

By the looks of it, you might think they had just landed in some new, exotic location, full of heretofore unseen sights, unsmelled smells, and pristine adventures, all eagerly waiting to be trod upon by their eight excited paws.

But no. If you thought that, you would be mistaken. 

This is just our normal, daily walking route through the neighborhood. On a sidewalk, past trees and bushes and houses they have seen hundreds of times before. 

And yet, despite the utterly quotidian nature of this jaunt, can you see how they are bursting with enthusiasm?

I think Rosie and Patrick are trying to teach me something here. Something, that is, besides the importance of keeping a firm grip on their leashes.

• I think they are trying to teach me that life is meant to be an adventure. 

• I think they are trying to teach me that regardless of how familiar I am with any place or person, that there is always more to be discovered.

• I think they are trying to teach – and remind me – of the gravity of the sin of taking any moment for granted… assuming that I have nothing new to discover. 

• I think they want to teach me to be humble in the face of the ever-unfolding wonder of God’s creative genius and to try and train myself to live life on tiptoe, anticipating awe around every corner. 

• I think they want me to remember this verse from the book of Lamentations where we are reminded: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are newevery morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NRSVU).

So many important lessons to be learned from these furry theologians.

Either that or they just saw a bunny hop across the street.

Abundant blessings;