The simple art of trusting, dog style

As I worked at my desk this morning, I looked down to see our two small dogs, Lucky and Bo-Bo, lying peacefully in their little beds. Even though it was approaching midday, they seemed to think it was an appropriate time to take yet another nap.

I hated to interrupt their “well-deserved” rest, but I really needed to use the shredder. As I put the papers into the hopper, the shredder came alive with its loud, high-pitched whir as it ate up the paper. I looked at the dogs, still peacefully lying there. I had a sense that they knew they were cared for, regardless of all the noise around them; they knew that I’m the one who cares for them, and I was there. All was well, and I would protect them.

Such trust.

The absolute trust and confidence shown by these innocent dogs in being loved and cared for is such a good example for me. It brought to mind the many times when things seemed to be going wrong in my life, when confusion and fear – the equivalent of the shredder howling and screeching – caused concern or worry about what was coming next. The dogs’ peaceful repose in the midst of loud and disturbing noise showed once again how unwavering trust brings a sense of peace.

Over the years I’ve discovered that when we begin to have more faith in our Creator, more faith in God, in whose image and likeness we are made, not as flesh-and-bone material bodies, but as spiritual beings, we can have more confidence in where we are being guided. We can develop that sense of trust as well. The Bible has this simple reassurance: “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5, 6).

Some folks think the Bible is just a compilation of stories that have little or no relevance or meaning today – stories and promises that have been outgrown and have been overturned by the latest technologies and scientific opinion. To me it’s a book that describes how men and women through the centuries slowly came to understand that life is more than bread and meat, more than power and conquest, more than self-centered preening, more than self-gratification. I’ve learned from it to love and cherish each moment of life and love, each tender touch, each moment of peace, each inspired idea of life’s true beauty and meaning – each day’s blessings. It’s a book that includes the historical account of the life and teaching Christ Jesus, a man who loved, fed, healed, uplifted, and taught people how to see above life’s troubled seas.

When I was small, I found a poem that meant a lot to me; it reassured me. It went something like this:

Each morning when I wake I pray.
I put my hand in God’s today.
I will not worry, fear, or fret or plan,
He wants me where and as I am;
And if I be relaxed and free,
He’ll work His purpose out through me.

As the years have gone by, I’ve tried to hold onto that message – that sense of being safe in God’s protection – even when the way seems dark and discouraging or simply noisy.

Put your hand in God’s today, and wherever you go, go with your Father. He will always be talking to you, caring for you, and guiding you.

Dogs trust. We can, too.

Adapted from author’s blog.