My dog, Leo, has a game he really enjoys. For us, it’s not nearly as fun. His timing seems to be a bit off and it can be, well, annoying. But he finds so much entertainment from it. This can happen in the early morning hours or right when we go to bed. It can even be in the middle of the night if he is restless. He takes a toy or his chewy and starts playing with it at the foot of the bed. That’s not annoying enough for us, so he ends up dropping it. He inevitably drops it down this small opening between the mattress and the footboard. The happens every single time. And then he sits and stares down the hole as if that is going to do something. When that doesn’t help, he starts whining. He is the cutest dog but has the most shrill whine, especially when we are trying to rest. But it works for him because it definitely gets our attention. He whines continually until one of us will reach under the bed and get it out. It is a cycle we repeat all too often.
From the outside, there are many solutions you may dream up. But for us, to generally just means we get up and get the toy. It just seems to work best for us if we just take care of him. Yes, he gets what he wants. Yes, it drives us crazy. But in the end, it really is worth it. Why? Because the joy and love that Leo brings to this house are way more important than the little inconvenience of playing his games. Leo brings a smile to our faces when we walk through the door. When he lays in your lap, you know you are loved and have his heart. He keeps things lively so we do not have dull moments in our home. And that holds more value than we could ever count.
We all have people or jobs or furry friends in our lives that drive us crazy sometimes. They have their own quirks that make us want to scream. They have things we would change. But ultimately, they hold great value. We can overlook some of the insanity for what they add to our lives. It isn’t about perfection. It is about love and joy. What brings you love and joy that you may be overlooking? What do we need to give thanks for today that we may not always appreciate? May God fill you with love and joy today as you seek him, even in the small but invaluable things.
Focus Scripture:
Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Photos included in Devotions are captured by David Cain – The Cain Gallery. Photos are available for sale by contacting The Cain Gallery
SEEING THE EXTRAORDINARY 