From the Pastor's Pen

Dear friends,

I was filming for the Bridge@Home this afternoon.  I set up my spot in the corner of the couch.  I squared the ipad in front of me, connected the microphone, cleaned up the sewing mess on the dining room table that was in the picture, and set up a the filming light so my face was well lit.  Then I went to the mirror to brush my hair and by the time I returned, my dog Theo had settled in my seat on the couch. 

We have two couches and a large stuffed chair in the living room.  There are two more recliners in the family room just around the corner, but Theo had to settle into my seat where I was all set up to film.  I sat down next to him.  He didn’t budge.  I got an idea.  I’d let Theo help me welcome everyone to worship!  I adjusted the camera so he was centered in the shot.  I leaned in to press record and his head popped up, and he leaped off the couch.  It was like he was camera shy!

I am always mystified by how often our puppy wants to be in our seats.  We’ll be watching TV and one of us will go out to the kitchen for something.  Inevitably when we return, Theo has hopped into our chair and settled into a snooze.  I suppose it might be paybacks for ignoring him, but I’m more inclined to think Theo simply gets comfort from having our scent close by.  Dogs have an incredible sense of smell coupled with a huge drive to be near their beloved people.

I wonder if we unconsciously seek to be near to our Father.  I think that’s one of the reasons I go outside.  When I find myself in the natural world, my thoughts often turn to God.  I find myself soaking in the sunshine, sniffing in the fall leaves, smiling at the breeze on my face.  All of these things remind me I am a child of God in my father’s world.  I like to be close and to feel his comfort.

How do you draw near to your father in heaven?

Peace,

Pr. Sally