Spiritual Insights from my Dog

If you Google “things I learned from my dog” many lists pop up containing snippets of wisdom people have gleaned from their loyal, fur-covered friends. My little dog, Oliver, a rescued miniature pinscher-chihuahua (MinPinHuahua), is one of my best spiritual guides. When life is overloaded with crazy, he remains calm, predictable, always loving, and reassuring. He keeps Sabbath by resting regularly and he extravagantly welcomes everyone.

Recently, when my daughter’s high school in Bakersfield went on lock-down, because a student had threatened to shoot the place up, Oliver remained calm through it all. When I drank my coffee and read the paper about Taft’s school shooting nearly two years ago, Oliver snuggled up and fixed his watery eyes upon me. He looked as if his empathy was overflowing in tears (though he may just have allergies). When Oliver watches the news with me and sees people from around the world, he doesn’t care what someone’s religion is, or their sexual preferences, the color of their skin, or how powerful their titles might be, he is willing to love anyone who chooses to be good to me. And, I know he would offer up his little life to protect me from those who might possibly bring me harm, especially feral cats.

When I consider how much money was recently spent in our country’s last elections and the frustration I sense over our priorities, I like to turn my attention back to Oliver, who refreshes my hope and my soul. He is living, breathing, simple love. He adjusts my confused priorities.

I hope that you, too, have spiritual sources, like Oliver, to return to from the craziness of our chaotic human condition. For some, it may be pets, others may find restoration in nature, a holy book, a temple, a touch or a hug – but, humans are tricky. They get caught up in fear, power, and possessions. Their ability to express true compassion is very limited. We need spiritual guides or guideposts outside of ourselves, and even beyond other humans.

As the holidays come upon us, set aside stressors, pause and spend moments of connection with pets, places, or things that renew your spirit, and remind you of your greatest priorities. Life, like Oliver, is short. Live fully. Give thanks for precious moments of something holy trying to break through, to speak to you and restore your soul. Imagine a world of humans acting out of calmed assurance, connection with the universe of God’s creation, rather than fear and separation.

May your holidays and days of human living be filled with such moments.

Happy Thanksgiving, Pastor Nancy