Dog Days and His WaysSample

Come

A friend of mine from my therapy dog group, Comfort Canines of Tulsa, shared how his wife chose their new standard poodle puppy. They had one already, a beautiful apricot-colored one named Cooper. When it was time to pick a new poodle companion, Lisa took her time observing all the puppies in the litter. She sat in the middle of the playful pack and noticed that one two-toned little girl kept coming to her repeatedly. Then, Lisa went outside the enclosure where the puppies played and waited. That sweet puppy continued to come to her over and over again. This same story happened to my parents when they visited a puppy rescue site to observe the adoptable dogs. When my mom sat down, one exuberant dog jumped in her lap. “She came and picked me,” Lisa and my mom both shared and the rest is history. Gracie, the poodle, and Dodie, the Westie mix, have special forever homes and strong bonds with their people and all because they chose to come.

The word “come” is such an important word in the dog-training world. Remember how joyous it was when your new puppy bounded toward you in understanding when you first uttered the word “come!” Their raised ears inquire: “You mean you want me to run to you? And then they run…full-speed ahead. “I’m coming, I’m coming” they seem to say with their tongue hanging out, ready for the treat in your hand. Isn’t it amazing how much trust your dog has in you?

Do you remember where you were when Jesus first said “come” to you? It’s a life-changing word, one that promises eternal life with Him. Your “come” means you will never, ever be alone. Saying “yes, Jesus, I will come,” means your Creator and King will rule in and over your life with sovereign guidance. Your “come” means your Savior will save you from sin, temptation, hopelessness, doubt, discouragement. death and so much more. As you come to Him, it also means you get to walk hand in hand with Jesus, your friend who makes His home in your heart.

Our dogs had to learn to trust us. They learn that when they “come” that good things await. “Come” means they get to be with us, to go for a walk, a car-ride or, perhaps, other activity they enjoy. “Come” also means companionship and togetherness. Sometimes, we say “come” to keep them safe and out of harm’s way.

It’s the same with Jesus. He promises when come close to Him, He will come close to us. He will give us rest if we come when we are weary, and He will carry our heavy burdens. When we boldly come to the throne of our gracious God, we receive His mercy and find grace to help us when we need it most. He promises that when His children come, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Sometimes we forget this promise in our lives. We remain stagnant, bogged down with our own will and selfish desires. We can be like our furry friend who is hiding with a treat they are not supposed to have or a sock they snuck out of the clothes pile. But when we lay our burdens down and come to Jesus, we receive a blessing every single time.

Thank You, Jesus, for the joy I see when my dog comes to me with their trusting heart. Thank You for calling me to You, for embracing me and for reminding me that when I come to You, You always are there. Help me to trust You even when I can’t see what’s ahead.