April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PERSPECTIVE
God, Chip and me
Chip reminds me of what it's like to just have fun. How many times have we gone for the same walk, at the same time of day, along the same path? Yet, it's new for him each time. He'll stop to eat the fresh grass or to sniff out a mouse. There is so much for him to wonder about; he's just having fun.
As a child, I would play with the same toys each day in the same playroom, yet the make-believe would be different each time. I never thought, analyzed or worried about what I was doing. I was just having fun, too.
Chip reminds me to wonder at things. He sees a deer beyond the fence; he stops and stares. Maybe he'll sit for a while watching ants going in and out of an anthill. A leaf wafting in the breeze or a honeybee buzzing from flower to flower catches his attention.
In the midst of thinking about what's ahead for me today, I notice the beech tree in my backyard. Each leaf, in turn, quivers in the breeze. It's like a symphony: all the instruments taking a turn or playing together to make such wonderful music. I'm like Chip!
Chip reminds me to be present in the moment. We often walk to the swamp at the end of the road. He seems fascinated with the geese honking overhead. I didn't know that dogs have such keen awareness!
Some days, we go to the little park in town where I can take Chip off his leash. He loves to run free through the woods. I enjoy watching him run after a chipmunk or squirrel. He never catches one.
I don't know what he'd do if he captured one, anyway - but this is no problem for him. He'll just veer off, still at full speed, as the object of his pursuit runs up a tree. He runs for the sheer joy of running. He'll come back, his tongue lolling, with what seems like a big grin on his face. (I swear that golden retrievers smile!)
Is he worried about whether he'll make it before the chipmunk gets up the tree, or what it would be like to catch and eat a chipmunk? Is he concerned that I might not approve of what he's doing? Of course not! He's in the moment.
How many times am I concerned about the "what-ifs" in life and don't enjoy what's happening right now?
Chip reminds me of the freedom that comes with complete trust. He is so confident in his truth. There are no worries, no concerns. I could take him anyplace and, as long as I'm with him, he's happy and content. He's free to just be a dog.
Dogs communicate in silence, based on emotions. They can easily pick up on your happiness, your peace, your calm demeanor. When I'm happy, Chip's happy. If I'm at peace, he senses it. If I'm calm, he's calm.
Blessed Teresa of Kolkata once said, "The fruit of silence is prayer." During our walks, my silence becomes a prayer. It's a time of deep communication with God.
Chip reminds of humility. We should not always take ourselves, our relationships and our interactions so seriously. We need to laugh at ourselves!
Yesterday, I'd just finished taking Chip for a walk. We were nearing the front door and I was searching for my house key with one hand and holding his leash with the other. Spotting deer across the road, off Chip ran, making me fall hard on my knee.
After calling him back, I stood up, bruised and scraped. Darn dog!
(Becky Craig is a parishioner of St. Joseph's Church in Greenfield Center.)[[In-content Ad]]
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