Sophie said “Good Morning” to me in the most unusual way this morning. Sophie is our 5-year-old Golden Retriever, who lovingly greets me every morning, did so in the most unique way this morning. Usually, she waits for me to finish my workout in the basement, and then when I come up stairs she wanders over and sticks her damp nose in my lap, or she puts a paw on my leg, or she just comes and stands by me and stares at me. Those are her more usual ways of starting the day and greeting me. But like I said, today was different.
Sophie actually came downstairs to where I was running on the treadmill. She rarely goes to the lower level of our home, and if she does, she certainly doesn’t stay very long. But this morning she came downstairs, found a comfortable spot on the carpeted floor, she laid down, curled up, and watched me.
Once I was done with my run, Sophie’s tail started wagging as best it could as she lay on the floor. So, I went over to give her a little attention. As I reached out to pet her, she rolled over on her side and then rolled clear over on her back. Of course, this is the universal sign for “Please, please, please…rub my tummy!!!” Which I immediately did.
Now, dog or “golden” experts will tell you that rolling over on her back is also a sign of submission. It’s doggie language for, “I submit to your authority in my life” or I surrender to your authority.” And if you peel back another layer or two of meaning, the experts again say that our golden rolling on her back is also a way of saying, “I trust you!” “I’m being really vulnerable right now. I’m exposing my tender underside to you. I trust you to care for me!” So, I rubbed her tummy, spoke some words of affirmation to her, and thanked her for trusting me. And our day moved forward.
Later in the morning as I was thinking about that unique, yet special way Sophie greeted me, the thought popped into my mind… “How did I greet God today?” Yes, I took a few minutes to pray this morning. I spent some time reading in the Gospel of Matthew. I listened to a great sermon while I ran my morning miles. I suppose all of this is acknowledging God in my life. So, what is it I do that would be a similar message like Sophie rolling on her back? What is the way I say to God, “I trust you! I’m being vulnerable and presenting my tender side to you. I trust you to care for me.” Confession of our sinful nature is always one way of showing our tender side. Praying the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer, especially the first line, is a great way of expressing one’s trust in God; “I am no longer my own, but thine.”
This idea of expressing trust is going to take further thought and reflection on my part, but I believe Sophie taught me something meaningful and important this morning. How can I start out my day declaring my dependence and trust in God? This is a great question to consider each morning. Thank you, Sophie, for trusting me and being a great example.
As followers of Jesus, may we each start out our days in a similar fashion, expressing our love and trust in God, the one who is faithful and true, and who loves us more than we can ever fully understand. “Good morning God!!! We’ve got this day to share together. I am no longer my own, but yours! Use me today! I trust you!!”
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith