My dog, Shadow, knows it's me coming home when my car is still a block away. He's got that pet ESP. Either that or he recognizes the sound of my car. Regardless, when I walk in the door he's in the backyard wagging his tail, whining in anticipation of an ear scratching and a pat on the head.

When I open the sliding glass door he begins to do a little dance. This black Chow-Labrador mix, just over 40 pounds, is just giddy at the sight of me. I'm not sure why that is. I realize dogs are loyal. But even if I ignore him for a bit, usually because I'm tired from a long day at work and just want to relax a moment before going out to see him, he's still faithful. He loves me when I'm nice and he loves me when I'm distant. I've lived in the same house for many years now. Nearby, on the other side of the wall from the cul-de-sac we live on, is a nice open space . I've jogged around that flood plain countless times. And I've also gone for many leisurely strolls. When I take Shadow on a walk he is nearly beside himself with joy. Dogs live in the moment and he's just happy to be alive. It doesn't matter how many times we've journeyed the mile around the flood plain; it's always great to him. He sniffs everything. He gets excited when he sees other people and their dogs. He's doggone grateful to be out of the backyard and walking with me.

There Has to Be A Lesson

There is a purpose to life. There is a holy reality. Love and service for others is a fine code to live by. Receiving blessings is a sacramental experience. Gratitude is a gift from God. But, it is a choice - we can choose to be grateful or not. If I am not grateful for the many blessings I've received in life then I cannot fully appreciate those blessings yet to come. I might not even recognize them as blessings.

I'm taking a cue from my dog. I'm going to wake up eager to face the day. I'm going to be present to this incredible gift we call life. God's going to open the sliding door to my soul and take me for a walk and it is going to be awesome!