Our next guest blogger, The Reverend Jeanne Davies, is a new friend. She is a pastor with the Church of the Brethren with a new ministry, Parables, designed especially for people with disabilities and their families. She and I have enjoyed Cubs games, home baked raspberry pie, long cups of coffee, and walking in a local bird sanctuary. She with her dog. All of that brings us joy. Especially our dogs. As she said:

Last night my husband, Joel, came home from buying milk at the grocery store. Our dog, Seamus, was very excited that he had returned. He did his usual little canine happy dance but then, as Joel sat down on the couch to watch television, Seamus’ tail continued to wiggle. He approached my husband, gazing adoringly, inviting him into the joy of the moment. Seamus then jumped up on the couch, his face inches from Joel’s, expressing his delight. Joel said, “I already walked him. I fed him. What does he want?” I said, “He just wants to celebrate with you. He’s so glad you are home.”

Sometimes I jokingly call Seamus my spiritual director. He lives in the moment. He is enthusiastic about those he loves. He never holds back but embraces life and love fully. There is no ambivalence – such passion and joy! There is a saying, “I pray to be the person my dog thinks I am.”

Who could live up to that? It’s a tall order to fill. We all have our good days and our bad days. But God is always enthusiastically, passionately in love with us. God is continually hoping for the best in us, encouraging us, and gazing at us with a deep joy.

Do I reflect that joyful image of God in my relationship with others? Sadly, I might do a worse job than our dog at the joy thing. Last night I was thinking about the dishes in the sink, the weeds in the lawn, my work for tomorrow. Gazing at the calendar in my phone, I barely registered that my husband had come home until my dog drew my attention. Joel’s home! What a joy! And bringing milk! What a bonus! And I’m thinking he might even do the dishes… I really love him. And that crazy dog who reminds me to take joy in life and love.

The Reverend Jeanne Davies