“…..Now I’m jumping for joy, and shouting and singing my thanks to Him.” Psalm 28:7b (MSG)
My wife Sandy and I have three rescue dogs. The picture shows Rudy our four-year-old Pit Bull/German Shepherd mix on the front step. Directly behind Rudy and staring at the camera is Rocko our 12-year-old Chihuahua mix and next to Rocko is our only girl, Lightning our nine-year-old Chihuahua/Terrier mix. They have brought much joy to our lives.
Lighting is a “mama’s” girl. Wherever Sandy goes, you will find Lightning. Rocko leans towards Sandy, but if he thinks I will take him for a walk, then I become his best friend. Rudy is my boy. He is my shadow. Rudy loves to go for walks, car rides or sit on the couch and watch the game with me.
I leave for work early in the morning and get home in the late afternoon. When I walk through the door, Rudy comes running and is extremely excited to see me. He jumps up on me with great joy and acts like have I have been gone for a month instead of all day. I was teasing our son Eric about why he doesn’t get that excited to see me when I get home!
Watching Rudy’s joy and excitement to see me when I come home each day got me thinking about my relationship with God. Am I that excited to be with God every morning when I wake up? Do I find the joy in the daily blessings of a beautiful day, safe travel, a great family, good friends, and a wonderful church with the same joy that Rudy exhibits? Do I look forward to reading my Bible, devotions and praying as much as Rudy looks forward to going for walks or car rides? How would my relationship with God change if I demonstrated the same love, joy, enthusiasm, and contentment towards God as Rudy demonstrates when I am home?
Well, I don’t think I am going to spring out of bed tomorrow morning and start jumping up and down with my arms stretched towards the ceiling and scream, “Father God! Father God! Father God!” However, I will change my morning routine and change my attitude with gratitude for all God has done for me and start facing each day with renewed appreciation. How exciting that God gives me another day to jump for joy, shout and sing my thanks to Him! What do you say? Will you join me?
Gotta go. Rudy is wanting to go for his walk!