I was on my way to work the other day and paused at the corner to allow a runner to cross the street before I continued. It isn’t unusual to see runners in my neighborhood throughout the day but this time was a bit different. This runner was joined by two off-leash dogs – one golden retriever and one very enthusiastic dachshund. Watching those three cross the street was one of the highlights of my day!
As I entered traffic, I sensed the Holy Spirit say, “What a great example of my beloved humanity.”
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
This unlikely trio were running together and it was an obvious highlight for each of them; something they all enjoyed. But I got the impression from this brief encounter that they enjoyed one another’s company just as much, if not more than, the run itself.
But for me it is good to be near God;
I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge, I will tell of all your deeds.
Psalm 73:28
The dogs didn’t seem to need a leash. They stuck close to their master knowing he would keep them safe. In fact, although the dachshund paused a little longer at the corner to make sure she should continue, as soon as her master looked back she blissfully bounded into the street without a care in the world! All three of them checked on the other often for a status report of sorts – sometimes circling back a few steps to make sure they were in close proximity to one another.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Romans 12:11
While the golden was leading the way, the dachshund had all the heart. Seriously, I have never seen a more enthusiastic dachshund – her short little legs double-timing just to keep up, her ears flapping in the breeze with each step. I really do believe I saw her smile as she crossed the street! She wasn’t at all phased by the fact that her two companions were more “fitted” to running than she was. She didn’t even seem to care that she was the caboose in the lineup. She was taking part in the run and giving it all she had with all-out JOY. A true testament to living with zeal!
I’m so grateful the Lord gave me that little snapshot on the way to work. He showed me in a matter of seconds what living in community with confidence and abandon can look like…even though each of them were so different. A man, a golden, and a dachshund. A beautiful, unexpected example of God’s whisper to his creation…
You are adored.
You Are Adored 