My husband and I have two furry bundles of joy just under two years of age - our mixed Terriers named Luna and Luka. Any dog owner can tell you what it feels like to be welcomed home by their beloved pet. Their tails are wagging so hard their entire body shimmies from side to side at the same time they are jumping up and down with barely contained glee at the sight and sound of their beloved master - the center of their universe. It doesn't matter if you've been gone for 5 days, 5 hours, or 5 minutes - the response is always that of absolute unconditional love. What then is our response to our I'm-so-happy-I'm-going-to-explode pets? We of course greet them with lots of hugs, petting, and the baby-talk that is reserved just for them. Why? Because we love them, and they are like a member of the family. So, can you imagine just ignoring your excited pet and walking past them without a word, a gesture, or even eye contact? How often do we wake in the morning or come home in the evening and not greet or acknowledge our loved ones - our spouses and children? I would guess that most, if not all, of you are responding with NEVER!
One day not too long ago, I was enjoying the excitement and unconditional love of Luna and Luka when a thought occurred to me. If my dogs, innocent creatures created by our God, love me this unconditionally - how great then is the unconditional love my God has for me? It's immeasurable! The Bible is full of examples describing His immense and unconditional love for each of us...John 3:16 "For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life." or Romans 8:38-39 "For I am certain that nothing can separate us from His love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below -- there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord."
I began to think about my response to His love for me and His excitement to see me each morning when I wake, each night when I go to bed, and every moment in between. I thought of how He is there with me - right next to me every day - waiting to be greeted and acknowledged by His beloved child. I cringed as I realized how many times I have stumbled out of bed (late) and rushed through my morning routine, rushed out the door, and rushed through my day and finally collapsing in bed too exhausted for anything else without once glancing His way or even saying "Good Morning Lord, thank you for this day!" I was so ashamed of myself and thought "How could I just walk right past Him and not say a word?" I am now determined to always make Jesus my first priority every morning before my feet even hit the floor. I know it's so easy for us to be distracted by agendas and the pinging notifications of our phones. But tonight when you turn off the light or when you wake tomorrow morning, I invite you to think of how He is waiting to hear from you with great anticipation and love. He delights in you and sings over you! If we don't ignore our children or our pets, how can we ignore our Savior?
~ Melina Garcia
