Recently we had a “house guest” for a week.
We love animals but I wouldn’t call us “pet people”. Since our cat of 15 years had to be put down, certain members of our family have been resistant to have another. And we’ve been good with the decision.
But we jumped at the thought of having Talula for a week. The dog holds a unique and special place in our hearts. Besides, she is probably the best dog anyone would ever want to have visit.
It didn’t take long to realize Talula had a few lessons for me to learn:
- The best place to be is with you. No matter where I went, or sat in the house, she was right there with me. She could be sound asleep on the couch but if I got up to leave the room, Talulu quickly followed. “The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple” (Psalm 27:4, NLT). May I stay close to the Lord and follow His lead wherever He may take me.
- Portion Control. Talula was fed one cup of food in the morning and one in the evening. And she was full and content. Much the way the Israelites gathered their manna each morning, I am to do the very same. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35, NLT). As I take in God’s Word each day, I will find nourishment and sustenance for my soul.
- Sometimes life cannot be rushed. We took Talula for walks several times a day. Sometimes it was quick and easy. Other times, a bit slower and still other times, it took several attempts outdoors for success to occur. “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” (Habakkuk 3:17-18, NLT). God’s time is just that – His time. He won’t be rushed or delayed. He unfolds His plans in the way which will always be for our eternal good and for His glory.
The week passed quickly and the house has seemed a little “quieter”. But the lessons learned remain close to my heart.
Today I am joining … #DreamTogether and Inspire Me Monday and Glimpses .
What a sweet house guest! And I love the lessons you learned. I love how everyday things like that can remind us of spiritual truths if we keep our eyes open.
Lesley, in the ordinary is the way God speaks to my heart and confirms His Word. He knows just how to get to me š
Great lessons!
I get impatient with my big Tucker dog who is also slow and can be a bit overbearing socially. Thanks for reminding me that he’s trying to be my teacher. These furry lessons are really an example of God’s mercy to us, for the lessons are sweet–and in my case, so needed!
Michele, it is funny how we can learn from these sweet “teachers”. It kind of became our evening topic of conversation as my husband would ask … “What did you learn today?” One cold night I replied, “Take her out and see what you learn” and we laughed so hard.
Hahah! You’re cracking me up here, Michele. “Overbearing socially.” You have a way with words, friend. My Mourihno is tiny, but also a bit socially overwhelming! š
š She truly does!!!
Joanne,
What a precious face and I love the name Talula š Having had dogs most of my life, perhaps the greatest lessons I’ve learned are how they are real life examples of unconditional love. I could have had the worst day, but am greeted like I’m the best thing since peanut butter. Mine also followed me…just to be in my presence. My grown children certainly don’t do that. And they (dogs) are compassionate. Our beagle will always come and lick my tears if I start to cry. I think we can learn a lot from the creatures God created. Glad you enjoyed your sweet house guest!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Oh how precious, Bev, to have a dog lick your tears. And you are right, they are precious lessons of unconditional love. Amazing how God has provided His gifts for our enjoyment. xo
I love this and the lessons you shared!
Joanne, you had an awfully cute houseguest. I’m smiling because our little Mourihno also follows us around the house. That dog has his eye on us at all times. Love these lessons here!
It’s amazing the lessons which are around us at all times. May we not miss a single one!
Aww! What a sweet house guest! I find that I learn so very much from animals–be they pets or wild things.
What a sweet house guest. And, the lessons? Maybe you need a fulltime Talula!!!