Lessons From My Fur Babies Part I: CJ
Whew! Man what a whirlwind of a week. Things have been up and down and all around and I’m finally getting a moment to write. I couldn’t avoid it any longer. I had to sit down and start the process of this much needed therapy. Did you want some tea? I’m sipping on an apple cider blend that’s pretty good. I’ll grab a mug for you.
Friends this week has really been something. I went to work Monday fully committed to crafting my environment in such a way that would bring God glory in the way that I handled challenges. I was ready to shoot again at the target of purposefully being a light for others, a bright spot in a stressful day and/or an encouragement to hang in there.
Shucks, after such a beautifully inspiring weekend that left me wearing pearls and purchasing several pairs of “chucks” in honor of our newly elected vice president, I was feeling invincible. Ready for the world. Ready to prove that nothing was impossible.
Then it happened. Just as my co-workers and I were taking pictures in our celebratory outfits, we received word that we’d all be quarantined again. Everybody was set to go home because we’d been hit again with positive cases on campus. Let me pause for the cause to say I’ve come a long way since March. News like this would have spiraled me into fear and anxiety in such a drastic way that I am almost ashamed to tell you. However, things are much better, thank God. We all packed up and prepared to transition into virtual learning and I went home.
Working from home has been busy. Yet, it has been such a blessing. In the stillness I’ve been able to see clearly. I’ve rested well. My thoughts haven’t been as scattered and I’ve had time to hang out with my fur babies. Yes, my fur babies. My time with CJ on Friday has impacted my soul forever. I’d like to share that experience with you if you have a minute.
Friday the Lord led me to the fire pit which is nicknamed “the writer’s pit” because that’s what I do there. I didn’t light it because it was super early. I didn’t take my computer or phone with me…just my journal. I was about to start writing when CJ ran to me with his tennis ball. I indicated from my behavior that I wasn’t interested in playing; but, he would not be denied. He put his dirty paw right on my journal. So, I closed it and sat it to the side, grabbed CJ’s ball and hurled it. He immediately took off running to get it and to bring it back to me. Fetch is his absolute favorite game to play. When he was younger, he’d fetch for what seemed like an eternity. Now an old man, he tires much faster.
Our game didn’t last very long. He eventually stopped throwing me the ball and took his rest right on my feet. There he rolled over to his back and put his left paw in the air. I rubbed his belly until he was content and told him he was a good boy. Eventually, he rolled over to find a more comfortable position on my feet for the duration of my time outside.
In that moment, CJ wasn’t concerned about my agenda, my stress level, or my workload. He was unaware of the reason why I was home from work or the potential anxiety that it gave me. At that very moment, the only thing that mattered was my presence. He may not have been able to run and play fetch for as long as he used to, but he had found something more important than fetch. Momma was home, he was in her presence and that was more than enough. For CJ my presence gave him full joy, complete rest, and blessed peace.
He’s my loyal lab. The oldest of the bunch. I like to say he is old and wise—among other things. Cj, a dog, had enough sense to enjoy the presence of his master. How much more should I rest at the feet of my Lord?
Many of us look like Martha in the Bible, busy doing many things, very important things. However, Jesus highlighted the contrasting behavior of Mary, Martha’s sister, in the Luke 10:42 text. Jesus indicated that Mary had found the one thing worth being concerned about which was sitting at the feet of her Master, being in His presence.
If you are in need of joy, rest, and peace, I encourage you to stop what you’re doing and to spend some time with your Lord. Spend some time just sitting at His feet enjoying His presence, His touch, and His reassuring voice. The only way through this space is with Him. What a reminder!
Thanks CJ…
