“I thought we were going to have to help keep those dogs apart.”

“Me too,” said Drew.

“So thankful they decided to be friends.”

Washington State must be the dog lover’s state. Everyone seemingly has a dog. We love to watch the dogs interact, especially at the Farmers Market. There are big dogs, little dogs, old dogs, and young dogs in black, brown, or white. They all have their own personalities. Some are laid back and others can’t be contained for all their excitement.

At a market recently, I was watching two friends visiting , each with their own dog. Both dogs behaved well but very differently. The larger dog sat still waiting for the conversation to be over. The smaller one jumped up and down the whole time. He acted, as if his owner had forgotten him. Occasionally, the owner patted his head to reassure him that he wasn’t forgotten but that didn’t make much difference. The jumping continued until the conversation finished and each went their own way.

While I was watching, I realized many times I am like the smaller dog in my relationship with God. Whatever my current challenge might be, I am convinced I have been forgotten. No longer seen, no longer in His care. I jump and jump until I am so tired I can’t go on. So I have added some new words to my daily prayers to remind me. Lord, thank you that you see me, you love me, you forgive me, and you want me for your own. No jumping necessary.