The only times I can remember not being owned by a dog were my years at school living in a dormitory. Dogs have been essential to my wholeness. One of my friends told me it was indicative of a need to be worshiped. I hope he was wrong. But if one has to be honest, it is marvelous coming home and finding a dog on the other side of the door seeming to say, “Now I can start living again. You are home.” I have this picture of my grandson throwing sticks in the water for my black lab. It’s one of my favorites. Perhaps it reminds me of coming home from school and heading for the woods with my dearest friend running circles in the fields that led up to the forest.
When God told Adam it was not good for him to be alone I believe God was speaking of more than Eve. While she was the main object of that sentence we must note it comes in the midst of an Eden where Adam was surrounded by a plethora of tame life. I wanted to say “wildlife” but they weren’t. The wild came later.
We were made in God’s image. Most likely more intellectually and spiritually than physically; therefore, neither does God want to be alone. He has this amazing universe filled with so many stars only He can count them. Surely there must be an inhabited world for every sun (star). Why turn on the lights and the heat unless there is someone to light up and warm? To think the stars were made for our benefit is beyond egocentrism. There isn’t a word for that kind of conceit. To get a glimpse of an idea of the creatures He has made read Revelation 4. It’s a feast.
Written by Roger Bothwell on August 19, 2009
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org