Welcome to Family Encounter

Missy is our six month Yellow Labrador- I mean pup. From what others tell us, she fits the definition of being Lab - and a pup. Getting a dog has been a lesson for Ethel and I in many ways. But that is another story - and devotional.

After the Christmas gifts were opened yesterday afternoon and the ham loaf was in the oven and crockpot tea in the crockpot, our family took our beloved pup for a walk around the block here in Allensville. Or should I say, Missy took us on a walk!

Dog's are said to be a man's best friend - yes, I enjoy a dog, but perhaps, I enjoy most thinking about what Missy can teach me about being attentive to God and to my family. Yesterday Missy pulled through with another lesson.

So with Matthew riding his bike, and Michelle sucking on a foot long peppermint candy stick, Ethel and I headed out on our mile walk. I'm not sure when it hit me, perhaps it was when after the tenth time, Missy nearly yanked my arm off, that I discovered a serious character flaw in our dog. Missy wants to be first in line. Missy does not like to have anyone else in front of her. She likes to be first!

After this reality dawned on me, we tested the idea. Matthew went zooming ahead on his bike to see if Missy would break out on a sprint to catch up to him and pass him. Sure enough, that is what exactly happened. Ethel was exactly right when she said that having a dog has increased my physical exercise. Which is not a bad thing for a 41 year old!

This morning, while still feeling the soreness in my calve muscles from an earlier walk/run with Missy and just Matthew, I began to think about what Missy was teaching me yesterday.

You know, families don't function very well if Missy's character flaw is exhibited - that is if this attitude of wanting to be first is lived out in the family.

"No fair! You got the larger piece!" "You sat on that side of the car for three days in a row, now it is my turn." "I need to rest, I deserve a rest. I'm going to write another devotional and not help my wife in the kitchen get ready for the Zook Christmas gathering."

It seems like one part of human life that naturally appears is this attitude of being first, and thinking of one's self, one's own interests rather than others. The words "Me first!" is spoken by words and actions. And it is present in nearly every family - at least for a time.

Jesus teaches us that the first will be last and the last will be first. Perhaps this is one of the best words of advice that is applicable to family living. I'm sure many parents have quoted Jesus's words many times to stem this natural tendency from taking over.

And then there is Jesus invitation to put Him first in our life. To give Him the first of our earned money. To give Jesus the first part of each day.

For families and individuals, the key to being attentive to God and to each other, is rooted firmly in putting God first. For it is when we put God first, the natural tendency slowly gets starved.

Now, if only Missy could learn this - it's time for another walk/run with Missy. However, this time, the children are still sleeping in at 7 AM so it will be just her and I.