"A Lesson from Toby"

Do you have a pet? As I walk around my neighborhood, I fine very few homes that do not have either a dog, a cat, or both. Having pets has become big business for many people. There are Pet Stores, Pet Salons, Pet Supermarkets, Pet Groomers, Pat Kennels, and even Pet Motels. I was amazed several years ago when I went to Chastain Park to participate in a charity walk supporting Crohn's disease. So many people had their dogs with them. They had treats for the dogs and periodic water bowls all along the race route. One event that I attended had a dog contest at the beginning of the race.

Our dog is a Yorkshire Terrier named "Toby." His previous owner gave him this name from the country and western singer, Toby Keith. Like many Yorkshire Terriers, Toby is a high maintenance dog. One of the songs that Toby Keith made popular describes the temperament of our dog, Toby. It is entitled: "I wanna talk about me." Toby looks for three things: (1) he wants food, (2) he needs to potty, and (3) he wants to be loved. For a complex dog, he has very simple needs.

While drinking my cup of coffee and eating my bagel at breakfast, I am reminded that we have a similar need and desire to be loved. Even when we are having a troublesome day, we can know that we are loved by God. Maybe we can share that love with someone today!