A Christmas Reflection: Finding God With Us & A Curious Dog

Meet Rhea.

She wiggled her way into my life five-and-a-half years ago, and from the very first moment, she greeted me with pure love and endless kisses. She was—quite literally—a dream come true. And, as it turns out, an obstacle-course champion.

Over the years, Rhea’s curiosity and athleticism have shown up again and again. It’s simply how God made her—energetic, determined, eager to explore.

Recently, though, Rhea tore a ligament in her leg. We were told to keep her contained and away from the stairs. No easy task for an obstacle-course winner.

One morning, I put her out on the deck and carefully barricaded the staircase. A little while later, I heard her barking. I called for her to come back—which should have been easy—but she was nowhere to be found. Somehow, she had jumped the barricade and made her way down the stairs.

I went downstairs and opened the door, calling her in. She wouldn’t come.

So I went looking for her and found her hiding, her little dog head hung low. She knew she had done something naughty. I reassured her it was okay—after all, she was our obstacle-course winner—and gently coaxed her back into our cozy home.

And that’s when it struck me.

I think it’s like that with God.

God creates each of us with unique gifts—talents, abilities, passions—and fills us with so much love. And yet, like Rhea, we’re curious. We’re convinced we know best. Even when God is trying to keep us safe, we sometimes leap the barricade.

Still, when we wander off, God doesn’t scold from a distance. God waits with compassionate, merciful love—ready to bring us home.

That’s what Christmas is about for me.

God becoming human to show us the way.

To remind us how deeply we are loved.

To join us in this wild, beautiful adventure of life.

Emmanuel, one of the titles we use for Jesus, means “God with us.”

Just yesterday, I went downstairs to grab something, certain I had closed the gate behind me. Not long after, I heard the familiar pitter-patter of little paws in the hallway. Rhea was calling out for me—making sure I hadn’t gone too far without her.

If you find yourself searching for God…

If you find yourself calling out for God…

Let’s chat.

This Christmas season, give yourself the gift of Divine Love.

A Christmas Blessing

Today, and throughout this holy season,

Be blessed with curiosity, faith and trust.

Be blessed with searching and finding.

Be blessed with knowing God’s love more intimately—and being transformed to share it more abundantly.

Be blessed, my companion.

Be blessed!

Merry Almost Christmas!

PS - If you are looking for a Chrismtas prayer service, I AM co-leading a Chrstimas Service at 4 PM ET with Pastor Tom Speers of the Presbyterian Church n Sudbury and mussic by Kemp Harris. It will be on zoom and in person. Reach out for more details and the zoom link!