When a Dog Reminded Me Not To Be Anxious

My son's dog, Beau, comes to visit me every weekday morning. He arrives wagging his tail, and the ritual begins.

As he meanders past me for a quick pat on the head, he laps up the leftover kitty milk, then proceeds to the laundry room for the remainder of the cat's breakfast. He's not finicky, no siree. He likes any flavor...salmon, chicken, beef, unlike my cats. We have to change it up every day, they have discriminating taste buds.

I save the cat food cans for him. He licks them clean and I don't have to worry with odors. He waits patiently until all cans have been disposed of. He knows how I hate pesky odors.

Next, in his morning fun he runs to get the paper, waiting at the entrance of our driveway. A donut or biscuit await his return as he drops it on the front porch.

After all this lively activity he's ready for his breakfast. He gobbles it down like he's famished...as if he hasn't had a bite all morning. Then he's off to chase the squirrels away from my bird feeders. It's his job after all. He appointed himself as my squirrel dog. He takes it seriously.

Beau is also a sensitive dog. When I cry, he whines and gently licks my tears. He paces around me and it's obvious he's affected by my emotions. He's also sensitive to noises. Much like me, he prefers the quiet.

One morning recently, Beau and I were on the back porch. It was a cool morning with a hint of fall in the air. I was emotionally and mentally spent and couldn't enjoy it though.

Have you ever been anxious and worried about something you could do nothing about and yet, you continued to fret and worry? I like to think I have it all together, but I don't.

As Beau and I were pondering life, loud, clanging noises from somewhere in the neighborhood began to penetrate our silence. He became agitated, almost frightened, and started pacing. He tried climbing in my lap, not easy for a sixty-five pound dog. He gestured to go inside and came to get me to go with him. When he saw I was staying outside he got as close as he could to me. I stroked his head while I talked softly to him, telling him it would be alright. I told him not to be anxious, I was right there and wouldn't let anything happen to him.

As I said the words aloud, my voice caught in my throat. These words came to mind as tears welled up in my eyes...

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Just as I comforted Beau with soothing words and strokes of love, His words were comforting for my anxious heart. They reminded me how much I'm loved and held in His grip.

My situation is still there, it hasn't changed. But there is One who tells me not to be anxious. He tells me to present my requests, with thanksgiving, and He will give me peace that will guard my heart and mind.

What are you wrestling with? What are the loud noises clanging in your world making you anxious? Present them to the One who can offer peace in a time of trouble. He's ready to bring peace to your anxious heart and quiet the sounds of distraction. And sometimes He chooses to teach you through a big, lovable dog, named Beau.

Cindy