Joe and I were sitting at the kitchen table planning our day. I looked over and there was Charlie tucked under Joe's arm and leaning in nice and tight. It's such a common occurrence, I hardly noticed he was there. Joe had his hand on Charlie's neck and was giving him a a distracted scratch. And, there on Charlie's sweet face...all the things he knows about being in this spot - comfort, safety, contentment, reassurance and love. It's his favorite place.
It's a two way street - the puppies give as good as they get. I can be working in the kitchen and one of them will walk by and give my hand a quick lick as they are passing. Or, when I'm watching TV or reading a book one, or both of them, will cross the room to lay their head in my lap for a brief moment -just to check in. I pat their head or scratch their chin; and, then they are off to do whatever they do. They seek me out and sometimes just to touch base. It's good for me, too. It's the way they love - they are masters at the gift of being present.
Do you ever think about all of the ways God loves you and makes his beautiful presence known in your life? Often, it is in the most unexpected ways. I believe Charlie and Augie are just two of the gifts God has given me to help me understand. I am grateful for these lessons.
I know God is forever teaching me to seek him, to lean in, to rest and to soak in the beauty of his strength. I know that great joy is found in his presence. I know all of these things about being in this spot - there is comfort, safety, contentment, reassurance and love. I want to let God love me like he desires to love me. I'm just not sure why it is sometimes so hard.
