As the full moon slowly slid across our winter sky with tomorrow’s snow clouds in tow our beautiful lab patiently sat watching supper preparations. The sizzling skillet filled the air with saliva inducing aromas. The floor would have to be cleaned below her chin. Her dark brown eyes were fixed on my wife as she waited for the command. This was her job. When the food is ready she gets the nod to find me. I can hear her coming. There is a thunder across the floor and up the stairs as her ninety pounds hurl into the room. “It’s time to eat. Don’t linger. Can’t you smell it?” She is as persistent as if Timmy were in the well.
Her joy is to obey. In Psalm 119 we read, “Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” Oh that the psalmist would be as happy with me as he would be with her. “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.” While it is true we are motivated to obey because of our love for our heavenly Father, we should also be motivated when we understand that obedience is the smart thing to do. Not only does it keep us out of trouble it makes us smarter.
I should be as smart as my dog.
Written by Roger Bothwell on January 20, 2014
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org