“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,”
- Proverbs 3:13
My human has a birthday coming up this Sunday. I don’t know exactly how many birthdays that makes because, well, dogs don’t count candles.
But I have noticed birthdays make humans thoughtful.
Mine usually involves an extra treat.
His involve an open Bible, a cup of coffee, and a rocking chair on the porch while I stretch out beside him. That’s when the best lessons seem to happen.
Over the years, I’ve picked up on seven of those lessons that have stuck with me.
One
My human says there’s power in prayer
The power isn’t in fancy words, it’s in the name of Jesus.
I don’t understand it all, but I do know this—every time my human whispers the name of Jesus, something changes.
The circumstances don’t always change… but his heart always does.
The name of Jesus comforts weary hearts, brings peace to troubled souls, and still changes lives.
Two
Life isn’t about me.
That’s hard for a dog to admit.
However, I’ve learned that the little things matter — a wagging tail, a quiet nudge, faithful companionship.
One faith-filled life can change another… and another… until only Heaven knows the full story.
One man, one woman, one life can make a difference.
Jesus proved that better than anyone.
Three
My human reminds me that apple trees don’t strain to grow apples—they simply stay rooted.
Faith works that way too.
The fruit doesn’t save us; Jesus does.
But if we’re close to Him, love, joy, peace, patience and the rest of that fruit start showing up naturally.
Four
I’ve noticed when my human says, “Let’s go,” I don’t ask where.
I just follow.
That’s pretty much what Jesus asked His disciples to do.
No itinerary, just “Follow Me”.
Faith isn’t knowing every turn in the road.
It’s trusting the One holding the leash.
Five
My human works hard, but he’s learned that work makes a living—not a life.
The richest evenings are the ones with family, friends, laughter, prayer, and a faithful old dog on the porch.
The best things really aren’t things.
Six
Placement matters.
My food bowl has its place.
My bed has its place.
My favorite stick has a hiding place.
My human says the biggest question isn’t where those things belong—it’s where God belongs.
What does the calendar say?
What does the wallet say?
What does my family say?
What does the heart say?
Seven
I’ve seen rainy days and sunny ones.
Happiness comes and goes with the weather.
But joy stays.
Joy knows that God is faithful when life feels easy and when it doesn’t.
Joy is anchored in the hope, grace, forgiveness, peace, and love found in Jesus Christ.
As I watch another birthday arrive for my human, I don’t think he’s counting years nearly as much as blessings.
Truth be told, I think that’s the better way to measure a life.
I remember that birthdays include cake… here’s hoping at least some drops on the floor.
A dog can hope.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
