Dog Days and His WaysSample

Sit

One of the first commands that you teach a dog is “sit.” It’s an easy one to teach and your dog is in a wonderful posture to look up at you, receive a treat and your praise as you pat them on their head. “Sit” is a helpful command for when you have company over and for when you need your dog to wait by your side for any number of reasons. Teaching your dog to sit and remain in that posture is helpful and can be a great safety measure too. A dog who knows the sit command will be much calmer and is easier to control than dogs who aren’t taught this command. (One funny sidebar is that Fitz would not sit on a cold, concrete floor during obedience training. I bought him a carpet square, per the instructor’s suggestion, and he sat every time from then on. And if you are wondering if he is a bit spoiled, he most certainly is).

Sometimes your dog might pop back up only moments after saying “sit.” It can take both patience and perseverance to show them how to enjoy a relaxed “sit.” Forcing your dog’s hind end down can be both intimidating and confusing. Simply offering a treat, saying “sit” and using a hand signal does the trick of coaxing them into a seated posture. Gently working on this method with positive rewards usually has greater outcomes.

Jesus often asked His followers to “sit” when He wanted to teach them valuable lessons. He loved when His followers lingered and listened to His words. Jesus tenderly cared for those seated, sometimes offering fish and bread while they sat. The disciples sat and listened as Jesus shared His Last Supper with them. He knew their needs and met them where they were during that last meal together. He knows our needs too and meets us where we are today and every day. Jesus truly knows when we sit, when we stand and what our thoughts are.

Jesus sits at the right hand of his Father Almighty. They “sit” as they govern and rule the universe, receive our prayers and care for our needs. Sitting is an important posture for our Creator and our Father, for our dogs and for us. Doesn’t your dog love it when you sit with them? It can be even better for them if they sit beside you or on your lap. Sitting beside someone is kind. Sitting shows you care and have time for another. Sitting invites conversation. When a dear friend’s mother died, I asked what she most needed. “Could you just come sit with me for a while.” I’ll always remember our special time together on her sofa just sitting together.

Holy Spirit, when I sit, spending time with You, help me to linger a while and listen for Your voice. As I sit with others, help me to be a blessing. Thank you for knowing just what I need each and every day.