We have two pets; Coal which is a 13 yr. old Pomeranian, and Rex which is a seven yr. old Golden Lab. Each animal has a unique personality. Coal, as a puppy, was very hyperactive, but has calmed considerably as he aged. Rex has always been a very mellow fellow, unless a stranger enters into his territory. Their eating habits are quite different. It is the little one that gobbles his food as soon as it hits the dish, but Rex savors each bit and will gently take it from your hand. With Coal, however, you need to check your fingers afterward.
    When it comes to obedience, there is definitely some lacking with Coal. If I tell Rex to stay, he stays. Coal will give you that “I am going anyway” look and goes merrily down the path to the next door neighbor or across the road to visit (a very social animal) with me sometimes chasing after him. Rex sometimes accompanies his little buddy to insure his safety. There have been many times that I have had to go looking for Coal, and one day someone brought him home.
    Each one is always glad to see me and loves me unconditionally. Rex almost knocks me down in his excitement, and I have felt that I have needed a bath following this enthusiastic greeting. Coal barks, jumps, and wags his tail. Both animals seek my presence. Many times during the day Coal will come looking for me, follow me and snuggles next to me when I am sitting. Rex is too big to snuggle (even though he wants to) instead will put his head in my lap or sit at my feet.
    As I think about these two pets and their different personalities, I begin to think about our relationship to God. How eagerly do we respond to God’s call and do what God wants us to do? Do we come running, take our time, or ignore? In our obedience, do we hear but then do what we want to do? In the study of God’s word, do we rush through our time with God; or do we take our time and savor each word of scripture enjoying being in God’s presence? Do we actively seek God’s presence in our lives and sit at God’s feet? Maybe there are some things that we can learn from our pets in how to respond to God. Something to think about!