Hank

Hank is my son’s dog. He’s coming to the Farm tomorrow to live with us for a week. My son is in Colorado skiing. As close as he and Hank are, I really thought he would take Hank along. And, I have no doubt Hank would have learned to ski.

I never though much about learning from dogs. I know things about dogs. And I have shared my life with a few over the years. There were none like Hank. He’s a black Labrador Retriever, and the smartest dog I have ever been around. He loves to run and play, swim, and retrieve things thrown. He is fast (runs beside my four-wheeler when I am going 25+mph) and pleasant to be around. Most of all, he has a desire to “please” the people who love him.

I have never seen that in a dog before. I am sure it is just that I have been a poor observer. Here’s the strange part. I find in him a lot of the characteristics I wish I found in Believers, those with whom I worship on a regular basis, and have over the years, and know pretty well.  He tends to be quiet when he does not have something worthwhile to say – like, there is someone around that is “strange.” He never leaves you when you need him, so he can go play with others, or just to take a nap, or “rest up.” He watches me – closely. He is obedient. He never leaves the yard on his own. Never! He has been told not to. When I have a plan, he follows it, finishes it, never complains, and never argues. He is always happy to see me, loves for me to hug him, and would follow wherever I go – no matter how tough or dangerous. He likes to meet new people, and is very friendly with those who are not “strange.” He’s not my dog. He and my son talk to each other, understand each other, and Hank ALWAYS does what he is told. He is loyal to a fault.

I wish (pray, hope for, long for) that kind of relationship with God. I wish all the Believers I know had that kind of intimacy with God – always watching, always eager, always following, always obedient, always communicating and never complaining, always loyal.

Thanks for the lessons, Hank.