Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. So, let’s start there, and take a look at the 'featured' photo below, which our son took of their dog Stella (on the left) and our dog Lucia (on the right). And, I guess you could say that the point of today’s meditation is on the order of that somewhat irreverent wisecrack: “Lord, help me to be as good as my dog thinks I am.”

This photo was taken a few years ago, when Lucia was already oldish (she has since died). Stella was younger, heavier, and more boisterous. She loved to race toward Lucia, swerving at the last minute – sometimes giving Lucia a slight bump. 

That’s the setup for the photo: Stella is on a tear, charging toward Lucia who has a look that can only mean, “Oh no … here she comes again!” This scenario repeated many times when we were out walking the dogs. But Lucia never growled, and never forsook her “cousin” Stella. Lucia was like that in everything: a dog version of patient and kind. Stella was kind also. I never saw either dog act meanly to a human or animal. The two dogs were great friends, and always slept or napped close to each other whenever they were together. (See photo here)

“Patient and kind” seems a lot harder for humans. Perhaps “patient and kind” is hardest with people you know best. People you love best. People you work with. People you live with.

When my daughter was young, she once told me that it was easier to misbehave at home because, at home, “everyone will always love you no matter what.”

So, yes, “patient and kind” is probably hardest at home. I remember, as a child, visiting in the homes of Christian families, where the parents acted totally differently toward family members (and not in a good way) than how they acted toward acquaintances at church.

What to do? Some years ago, my husband came up with practical advice that we have found helpful: Start with just plain courtesy. Can we act with the same courtesy toward our family members as we do with colleagues and friends, or strangers at a party – or, best of all, with people we want to impress? Courtesy is a wonderful, practical benchmark for showing patience, kindness, and love toward everyone. Especially our families!

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

God bless you!

Donna