Assume the Position

Our little Bailey Boy made it into todays teaching at church! Tony was continuing a message on faith and how our faith grows. One of the points that he made was that we all have these misconceptions about who God is and that definitely shapes our faith (or lack thereof).

Tony talked about a dog his wife's family had that was very scared and timid throughout it's life. He remembers when that dog would meet people that it's tail would go between it's legs and it's ears would be pinned back. It came before people with fear and trepidation.

As Tony was preparing, he was studying what it meant when a dog licks you. He read a bunch of trainers who said it was a sign of affection, love and trust for their masters. When Tony and some other people came to our house one night a couple weeks ago we were praying and worshipping Tony was on the floor and became quite emotional. Bailey came up to Tony as he lay there and began to lick his hand. In that moment, he felt like God was showing him love through Bailey. Then Bailey flopped down beside Tony and rolled over on his back to get some love in return.

That, Tony explained, is how we should view the relationship we have with our God. We express our love to him, but the most important part is that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to accept his love in return. Most of us come before God like the timid dog, worrying or frightened that God may zap us, but Bailey gave love and enjoyed receiving it as well.

Sometimes even dogs can teach you something...