As an old dog.
I don’t read self-help books.
I don’t join gyms.
And the only “diet plan” I know is hoping my bowl gets filled twice.
But I do know a thing or two about walking paths, sitting places, and where I choose to plant myself.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers…”
— Psalm 1:1
I spend a lot of time watching my human. Especially this time of year. The calendar changes, the house gets quiet, and there’s that familiar sigh—the one that says, “I thought I’d be further along by now.”
A new year has a way of doing that. It shines a light on where we are… and where we thought we’d be.
That’s usually when the plans come out.
New routines.
New goals.
New promises.
And listen—some of those are good things.
Even this old dog likes a good walk and a healthy meal.
But I’ve noticed something.
Being in better shape might make my human happy for a while…
but it doesn’t always make his tail wag on the inside.
Psalm 1 talks about a different kind of blessing.
Not the kind you measure on a scale or a resume’.
The kind that settles deep in your chest and stays there.
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water”
- Psalm 1:2-3a
I understand “delighting” and even “meditating day and night”.
You see, when I find a good spot in the yard—one with shade and a cool breeze—I don’t just pass through it.
I stay.
I lie down.
I soak it in.
I plant myself right there.
Psalm 1 continues saying the blessed person is like a tree planted by streams of water.
Not visiting the water.
Not stopping by when things get dry.
Planted.
Roots down.
Drawing life.
Steady.
“That person yields fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.”
Trees don’t rush.
They don’t compare themselves to other trees.
They just keep their roots where the water is.
My human can sometimes have concern that fruit means success or wealth or applause.
But I’ve watched him long enough to know better.
Fruit looks like love when it’s hard.
Peace when things don’t make sense.
Faith when the path ahead isn’t clear.
The world has a lot of paths to walk.
A lot of places to stand.
Plenty of voices to sit with.
And some of them will leave you dry, restless, and worn thin—like chaff the wind just blows away.
But the Lord watches over the way of the righteous.
I believe that.
I’ve seen it.
So as this new year begins, before the list gets long and the goals get heavy, maybe start where the water is.
Maybe open God’s Word.
Linger there.
Let it sink in.
Plant yourself in Him.
Drink deeply.
Stay close.
This old dog knows one more thing for sure:
When you stay near the Master…
When you follow where He leads…
When you sit at His feet—you don’t just survive the year ahead.
You flourish.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
