When my dad and I are together we talk shop. We have much in common. He ministers, I minister. He’s a lefty, so am I. I don’t cook, he is well fed by my mother’s culinary expertise. His house is ruled by a tiny, spoiled, long wheelbase dog and I have a similar pet. Not long ago I drove into mom and dad’s yard, weary from the labors of my life. They encouraged me to curl up in a comfy chair, tuck my feet under and relax. We sat in quiet comfort and soon their little dachshund jumped onto my dad’s lap and snuggled up on his chest. This small act began an object lesson worth sharing.
Our respective pets are equally rotten. Mine, a French Bassett named Ellie, has no amazing tricks and no desire to learn any. I don’t need her to be brilliant. Her purpose is companionship and comfort. Mitzi, the dog cousin, similarly lacks social and athletic skills. However, we reflected on how much both our pets know. Ellie knows work days from Saturdays. She seeks to remain invisible in the early morning hours of school days. Arising from her slumber means she must go out, thus getting her paws and low-riding belly wet. However, when her master gathers his wallet, keys and pocket change off the kitchen counter, she knows he’s heading out the door to work, somewhere she adores going. She jumps off the bed and heads to the front door, excited to exit with a known plan. She comprehends the words ‘go’, ‘hop in’ and her name, but notice the absence of ‘no?’ She also recognizes Keith’s car motor from mine. She does the happy dance when he comes home. When my keys rattle the door, she remains where she lays. My dad’s furry ball of contentment is much like ours. We admit we don’t need a high performing, show dog, just something to love and draw comfort from their presence.
There is limited communication between humans and their domestic animals. We speak one language and they another, but each does their best to accommodate this gap in understanding. I think every pet lover has thought, “I wish I knew what was going on in that little brain of his/hers.” And probably, the pets are thinking, “I really wish I knew why my human does the things he does. No matter, I will remain and follow.”
There are parallels to this communication barrier, and our ability to understand and talk to God. We do not speak ‘God’. Our minds are unable to comprehend all that He is and does, but He speaks all the languages of our heart. He gets both the verbal and nonverbal messages of our lives. What peace, to know that God knows!
I truly wish my dog would understand that I disapprove when she poops in inappropriate places. She has no shame and I follow in love, cleaning up the mess and removing it, to be forever forgotten. In return, she loves and remains a dependable, constant companion, with ear piercing words/barks of praise that I DO clearly understand.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “As the Heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
When the actions and language of God seem foreign or incomprehensible, know that He is Good. It will be enough.
Good Tidings,
Gretchen