Pay Attention To Me!
I covet people who have precious little lap dogs - Cute little cuddle bugs who curl up in their laps and snuggle and watch television and warm their feet while they read books. I turn my back for five minutes - game over.
I saw a meme recently where there are two types of dogs. One you place out your hand, and they sweetly place their nose in your palm. The second, you place out your hand and CHOMP!
My little Chomp demands a lot of attention. You can’t simply open the door and let him go out in the morning to go to the bathroom. He will stand at the door and look at you and wag his tail. The routine goes - walk him to the grass, lots of scratches and kisses, run multiple circles around the yard, more scratches and kisses, maybe more bathroom prompted by a verbal reminder, more running and scratches and kisses, then breakfast time. That’s all fine and good except when it’s raining or 32 degrees outside. However, he isn’t going to vary his routine, so you might as well gear up if you want him to do his business.
My once tidy house looks like a toddler lives here. Toys are strewn everywhere. Little bits of a food and a water trail dribble out of the utility room. Anything breakable has long since been put away. And I’m really tired. I never get to sit down anymore. I can’t take my eyes off him or he will get into something he shouldn’t like finding a stray dryer sheet to shred or a destroyed piece of toy to eat. And play. I think he would fetch or play pull toy endlessly - literally - he never sits down or naps. He is constant motion.
In all transparency here - I have thought on more than one occasion that this puppy is in the wrong place. He would be happier in a different home. A home with small children who would have more energy to match his boundless motivation to move. But when his tail quite literally smacks me upside the head, I remember I had been praying. Yes, praying a lot actually:
“When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, I was stupid and didn’t understand; I was an unthinking animal toward you. Yet I am always with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me up in glory. Who do I have in heaven but you? And I desire nothing on earth but you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever. But as for me, God’s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my refuge, so I can tell about all you do.” Psalm 73:21-28
I have had this passage in my journal for so long, I forgot it was even one of my regular meditations. As I re-read it today, Matthew 6 floats to the forefront of my thoughts.
Jesus was teaching his disciples how to pray. He pointed out people who loved to be seen for their accomplishments, and how they would receive their rewards in this life. He told them not to babble mindlessly, “because your father knows the things you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8 CSB …including wild puppy dogs.
Just be still, Nancy, and pay attention to me…and learn your Lessons from Luca.
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