A few weeks ago, someone apparently dropped off a dog at our church. It is a white mutt! Heinz 57 variety!
This has happened before, but usually dogs left here just wander away and we don't see them again after a few days. Not so with this dog! He is still here!
Though he may have been named by others - I just call him "white dog!" One can learn a few lessons from this dog!
1. From his point of view - someone dropped him off at a good place! Hopefully, to a world of lost and lonely people, the church (the body of Christ) is always seeking ways to be a blessing to others.
2. This dog loves people! I have to say - the dog is a better greeter than most of us. He meets people at their cars - and apparently welcomes them in his own unique way - usually with a wagging tail and a little nudge from his nose.
3. He seems to be happier when lots of people are here! He apparently is not looking for a smaller church!
4. He is always here early! He really seems to enjoy being here before everyone else - that way he can greet more people!
5. He really knows his way around! Tonight he was hanging around the fellowship hall early! He has figured out that on Wednesday night, our students meet in the fellowship hall and they often go outside with food brought for snac! He was a little confused tonight because our students are gone to camp!
And I am sure he missed the food!
6. He never complains! I promise! I have never heard him complain!
7. He is not perfect! Our Equipping Pastor lives in the parsonage! The dog likes to get into his garbage! I actually think he is just playing a practical joke - but he is probably taking it just a bit too far!
8. He seems to meditate a lot - I often see him during the day under a shade tree near the worship center - seemingly lost in thought! We can always use some good thinking!
9. He is faithful! Hot or mild - rain or shine - white dog is at every event, committee meeting, worship service, and ball practice!
10. He brings his friends! We often see white dog in the company of black dog! I sort of expect to see more dogs any day now! Reminds me of the concept - each one reach one!
11. He is not ashamed of his friends! Black dog does not seem quite as well behaved - and is not always present like white dog. But white dog is always friendly to black dog and introduces him to everyone who will take the time to notice them!
12. White dog loves children! Wise church people do too!
Those are just a few lessons I have observed from white dog!
What great insight!
He rather reminds me of Petey from the little rascals.
Posted by: Misty | June 25, 2009 at 08:45 AM
WOW!! WHAT GREAT TRUTHS. BUT I MUST NOW CONFESS I TOO AM GUILTY, I FEED AND WATER WHITE DOG ON A REGULAR BASIS. I LIKE TO CALL HIM "MOSES" THOUGH BECAUSE HE IS SO FAITHFUL. DAVINA
Posted by: DAVINA ABLES | June 25, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Tommy, I loved this. I could not help but smile and kind of laugh to myself as I read it because it is so true. We go to church to worship and we look like we have had surgery. Not we as in all people, but quite a few. People tell us all the time that the choir needs to smile more.
Posted by: Laura Thomas | June 25, 2009 at 10:02 PM