Robert Fulghum may have learned what he needed to know in kindergarten. Much of I what I need to know I have learned from my dog. Here are a few lessons from dogdom that have taught me something about the kin-dom, faithfulness and discipleship.
Bark with your buddies. Barking is an act of community. When a dog barks, dogs in the distance answer. Barking says we’re all in this together. “Improved communication” through electronics may make us more connected, but it fails to provide human contact. Being in community is, however, important.
There’s a reason worship is central to a life of faithfulness. We are created to live in community. Yes, we can pray on our own, connect with God on the mountains, water or golf course; but there is no substitute for corporate worship. Singing praise together, praying for one another and greeting one another in the spirit and love of Christ are an essential part of spiritual wellbeing. Part of being a follower of Jesus Christ means gathering regularly for the encouragement of fellowship.
Greet loved ones with a wagging tail. Nothing is more important than feeling loved, and there’s not a creature on the planet that does it better than a dog. One of the things I miss the most about my dog, Pearl, is that no matter how big a jerk I may have been on any given day, Pearl was happy to see me and ready to give me a slurp. She reminded me that unconditional love is a beautiful thing and that I have a long way to go before I am even close to embodying it in my own life.
Dogs remind us that loyalty is a good thing. Loyalty has fallen on hard times in our fickle culture as we are sometimes quick to trade in our friends, jobs, churches and spouses when the going gets tough; but loyalty it is a critical element of discipleship. In Christ we are invited to a new relationship for a lifetime, not for a season, not for a time, but for all time. And like all relationships, ours with God knows seasons. As the disciples anticipated tough times, Jesus reminds them and us that we continue to belong to God.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. You know how dogs eat, slobber flying everywhere, chasing the dish across the floor to get every last morsel. Twice a day Pearl would jump around and bark and couldn’t wait to dive into her food bowl. Watching a dog at mealtime is a great reminder that eating is a celebration of life.
Breaking bread together is holy. To nourish the body is not a chore, but a sacrament. Eating together is deeply intimate. Barriers are broken down, relationships are renewed and nourished, and friendships are born and strengthened. Eat with gusto; enjoy all the flavors and spices of creation.
We are also reminded of the basic need that all have for nourishment. In this troubled world economy it is frightening to think that a basic commodity like rice, a staple for millions of the poorest of the poor, is becoming more and more expensive. Riots in around the world and the increased numbers at meal sites and food pantries are not just social tragedies, but defining moments for God’s people. Each week the local food pantry is all that stands between people and growing hunger right here in our own communities.
Run, romp and play daily. Physical exercise is as important for the soul as it is for the body. Pearl was absolutely unabashed in her demand for daily exercise and attention. She would sit at the door and bark until one of us went outside to throw the disgusting tennis ball that was her constant companion. Or she would look at the leash and bark. Through the years I’ve had a lot of pets–dogs, horses, cats, goats, chickens, you name it. Caring for them was always a welcome discipline and a reminder of how important it is to tend to physical needs.
When you’re happy, dance around and wag your tail. Thankfulness and celebration are powerful dynamics for healthy living. Gratitude is a spiritual discipline that helps us affirm the essential goodness of life.
Even when adversity strikes, gratitude helps us maintain our perspective and carry us through the low moments. And when I speak of gratitude, I don’t mean some schmaltzy, shallow, put on a happy face crap. Pearl reminded me to cultivate gratitude through simple things. In the grand scheme of things she didn’t ask for much–a few minutes of my undivided attention, a short walk a couple times a day, decent food, a safe dry place to sleep– and she was happy.
Learn to be present. At the Nursing Home, Pearl would visit with other residents and she was different with each of them. If a person was playful she would be too, if they were withdrawn she would quietly sit down beside them.
Watching Pearl reminded me of the value of sitting close by and being present. I may have said this before, but one of the most valuable things I learned from my mentor is that, “when you don’t know what to say, for God’s sake, shut up.”
This is a challenging and complicated life we all lead and there is no doubt that we are in need of comfort and encouragement. I’m not suggesting that everyone run out and get a dog. I am suggesting that looking for simple places to find comfort and encouragement is a balance to what can be a difficult time in life.
Finally, when you choose to surround yourself with lives even more fragile than your own, you learn that time is fleeting and life is precious. Pearl passed from our keeping to God’s a bit ago, taking her place with the canine, equine and other critter companions who have graced my life through the years.
The truth is that each day is filled with opportunities and invitations that make the difference between merely existing and truly living. May you find the simple things that bring comfort, encouragement and glimpses of peace and joy.
The Irreverent Reverend 