I took my dog to the park yesterday, and within half an hour, she rolled in poop, again! We’ve had this discussion before, she and I, that the substance she takes such joy in is post-digested and discarded food from another dog – it’s downright gross, how could she find this appealing??!!

Of course, I called her a stupid dog, dragged her from the park, and made her run outside the car for the three miles to our home. I got the garden hose out from winter storage and dragged it through the snow to the faucet, thankful that it wasn’t frozen. After I got her sprayed off outside, I dragged her in to the tub, scolding her all the way.

Why on earth do dogs roll in poop, and how dare mine disregard my rules on the matter? Didn’t she realize the expense I had endured in providing her with a good home, soft bed, healthy food, plenty of toys, and even outings to the park so she could meet other dogs? Didn’t she understand the thousands I had already spent on vet bills, worm pills, and when she was a pup, replacing chewed up windowsills?

I ignored her yelps as the soap suds went in her eyes and the hot water coursed down her back – after all, it was her fault that our day of fun had been cut short – she’s the one who couldn’t resist the subhuman draw of fresh feces. I guess I should have known better, she’s just a mutt, not as special as an AKC registered champion – you never hear tell of the Westminster entrants enjoying such disgusting breeches of etiquette.

Put your phone book away, there’s no need to call the Humane Society –

I don’t actually have a dog. I once had cats, cherished them, spoiled them, and occasionally got intensely frustrated with them when their digested food wound up in corners and carpets rather than the variety of litter boxes I had purchased, or when they mistook my very nice furniture for their almost-as-nice scratching posts. I have friends & family who have dogs, also cherished, also spoiled, and also occasionally maddening. We get animals and put up with the pain of them for the joy and companionship they bring. There’s something about being greeted with enthusiasm when you come home from a long day, hang up the phone after getting awful news, or just feel like twirling around the living room to your favorite tunes. There’s something about the sheer joy of a wagging tail or the contentment and peace in a steady purr. We know they don’t think like us, and many times, we see that as a good thing. I really miss my cats, scratches, smells, and all.

So why did I write this awful scene about a dog doing what dogs do? Because it illustrates what many of us do to ourselves all too often. Mind you, I’m not beyond a harsh word or a spray of water when it comes to reminding pets that their place is not the kitchen counter, but I love them too much to be insanely brutal. Turns out, I don’t give myself the same grace, and my Master and I have been discussing that since my last ‘poop-roll’.

What do you say to yourself after you blow it? After you do the one thing you’ve promised a hundred times never to do again? Maybe it’s overeating, getting drunk, picking up that one resolve-killing cigarette, or waking up beside the guy/gal you’ve only been dating for a week… Do you drag yourself by the collar, recite your worthlessness and lack of pedigree, and recalculate the many blessings and ‘second’ chances you’ve wasted? Do you hide from the One who loves you, either in fear or in shame, willing to do anything that doesn’t involve facing His forgiving gaze? Do you have trouble wrapping your human mind around the idea that He who created you, died in your place, and rose again to call you unto Himself would still want you? That He would be willing to load you, poopy collar and all, into the family vehicle, drive you home, put you in the tub, wash you off gently (but thoroughly), then with a flourish of the towel set you free to run scampering through the house freshly clean? It makes sense when we love our dogs that much; it’s confusing when we think of God loving us the same, rather, even more.

As much as our minds differ from those of our dogs, as much as their tendency to be distracted by various sounds and smells is beyond our human comprehension, to that same distant degree, God’s mind differs from ours, and He loves us even though we can be so easily distracted by what He knows to be profane. He created us for companionship and for the joy of sharing our revelry in His care. He knows we are warped, and though He makes no excuses for it and He calls us to enjoy a higher quality of life, He is also willing to give us baths as needed, until we finally get Home, where there is no poop to roll in.

I was also reminded that my friend’s dog is not mine, and I would never dream of treating her so harshly, because I love my friend and my friend loves her dog. Likewise, I am not mine, I am His, thus I have no business being so harsh with His beloved.

Jump and scamper for joy – your Master loves you and has washed you clean. (again)

see Isaiah 55