Some Lessons I have learned from Diamond (my dog)

Genesis 1:24 (New International Version)

And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.” And it was so.

After the hurricanes of 2004 Diamond found herself homeless, hungry and wandering the streets of Central Florida. She found herself unwanted and picked up by the Human society. With that all behind her our dog Diamond doubtless feels blessed to be part of our loving home. But I feel more blessed to have her, primarily because he is such a great role model. It's funny, but I have learned quite a bit about myself, my family, and life in general from our four-legged friend. Diamond was a stray, and it breaks my heart to think someone didn't want her or gave up looking for her. We realized right away of her terrible past as we brought this skinny little dog home and she immediately went to the back yard and curled up against the fence, not realizing that her new home was behind the door of the house. Now she thinks that she is the queen of the house. Her job is to protect us and her house, even if the person is walking down the other side of the street.

On many occasions I have struggled because of my back pain, it is during those times that you will find Diamond laying near me with concerned eyes constantly watching. It is as if she understands that I am in pain and she wants to be there for me to help in whatever way she can.

There have been times when I have been upset with her and scolded her for something she should not have done, only to feel terrible afterwards because she would look at me with those loving eyes that begged forgiveness. And yet if I asked her to come to me, she would come running with excitement and wagging her tail like crazy. I wish I could forgive as easily and as fast.

She always has time for his "Mommy" and "Daddy," and when we come home from work, she is so excited to see us. Never ashamed to show her love or affection, she is always eager to give it freely. Whether it's playing games or lying around watching television, she acts as though her whole universe revolves around us, and she only wants to make us happy. If only I too could learn to make others feel that loved and needed.

When times are hard, it is Diamond that comforts us when no one else was around. Somehow knowing of the emotional pain. I sure wish I had as much compassion for others.

Someone once said: "My goal in life is to be the kind of person my dog thinks I am." Well, my goal in life is to be the kind of person that I know my dog is.

Dear Lord we thank You for the lessons that we can learn from the things around us. Today we thank You for the animals that You created for our enjoyment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.