What My Dog Taught Me About Following Jesus

Sometimes God teaches us His greatest lessons through the most unexpected places.

For me, one of those teachers has four paws, a wagging tail, and the sweetest heart.

Her name is Dixie.

If you've ever had a dog who loved you unconditionally, you'll understand what I mean.

Whenever Jim or I leave the house, Dixie patiently waits for us. If she hears a car that sounds like ours, she runs to the window hoping we've come home. The moment we pull into the driveway, she's already barking with excitement. As soon as we open the garage door, we're greeted by the happiest little dog you've ever seen, her tail wagging so fast it looks like it might fly off.

She simply loves being with us.

Whether I'm having my quiet time, working at my desk, or relaxing in the evening, Dixie is usually close by. She sleeps beside my bed every night and is happiest when she's near the people she loves.

Watching her has reminded me of a beautiful truth about our relationship with Jesus.

How God Brought Dixie to Our Family

We didn't go looking for Dixie.

God brought her to us.

For months I had prayed about getting a dog, but nothing seemed right. Eventually, I stopped searching and simply asked God that if we were meant to have a dog, He would bring the right one into our lives.

Not long afterward, Dixie walked into our backyard.

She was thin, dirty, frightened, and covered in ticks.

I fed her a pork chop and made her a little bed outside. Before leaving for work the next morning, I told Jim, "If she's still here when I get home, she's ours."

She was waiting.

That evening we gave her a bath, removed fifteen ticks, and began helping her heal.

She was terrified of men and wouldn't go near Jim for months. We believe she had likely been mistreated before she found us.

When the veterinarian diagnosed her with heartworms, we were heartbroken. Thankfully, because she was still young, treatment was successful.

Today she's healthy, happy, and one very spoiled little dog.

Looking back, I truly believe God answered my prayer in a way I never expected.

A Lesson I'll Never Forget

One afternoon I was throwing one of Dixie's favorite toys.

Over and over again she brought it back.

She never got tired of coming back to me.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but think about my own relationship with God.

How many times have I wandered away?

How many times have I become distracted by life?

How many times have I allowed worry, busyness, or frustration to take my eyes off Jesus?

Yet every single time I turn back to Him...

He welcomes me with open arms.

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."
James 4:8 (ESV)

God never grows tired of His children coming back to Him.

Faithful Every Day

Dixie doesn't wonder whether she wants to spend time with us.

She simply wants to be where we are.

Imagine if we felt that same desire to be with Jesus.

Imagine beginning each morning eager to spend time in His Word.

Imagine looking for Him throughout the day instead of only turning to Him when life becomes difficult.

"Abide in me, and I in you."
John 15:4 (ESV)

Jesus doesn't simply want a few minutes of our day.

He desires a relationship with us.

He wants us to walk with Him, trust Him, and remain close to Him in every season of life.

Where Is Your Focus?

Life has a way of pulling our attention in a hundred different directions.

Work.

Family.

Responsibilities.

Social media.

Worry.

Before we know it, we've drifted farther from the Lord than we ever intended.

That's why it's so important to regularly ask ourselves:

Where is my focus today?

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)

Every day is an opportunity to turn our hearts back toward Jesus.

Final Encouragement

I never imagined that God would answer my prayer for a dog by sending one to my back door.

And I certainly never imagined that little dog would continue teaching me lessons about God's love years later.

Every time I see Dixie waiting faithfully for us, I'm reminded of the kind of relationship I want to have with Jesus.

One that longs to be near Him.

One that delights in His presence.

One that faithfully follows wherever He leads.

May we love Jesus with the same joy, devotion, and expectancy that Dixie shows every single day.

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Matthew 22:37 (ESV)