The newest addition to our family is Cooper. He is an almost 2-year old Standard Poodle. I call him a “wackadoodle” poodle because he brings such fun and hilarity to our life each and every day. I’m not sure how long it will last, but he is definitely still in the puppy stage. He is curious about everything and gets excited about the least little thing. He loves people… especially his people. His favorite person of all is his “Mommy” (my wife). I’m a close second in the pecking order.
Cooper does not like either of us to leave the house for more than ten minutes. If we’re gone that long he acts like we were gone ten years. He jumps up and down and runs in circles with excitement. My wife just returned from a recent ladies’ trip with friends. This required Cooper and her to be separated for eight days. This was the longest they have been apart since we got him. When she returned he went full wackadoodle on her. He did his usual jumping and running and pawing at her. The excitement he felt was so real and genuine. It is so heartwarming the love and affection he displays for us. And we love him, too.
There was a time when I felt that Cooper-like excitement in my relationship with God. I didn’t exactly jump up and down and run in circles, but I felt such joy and happiness in his presence. Cooper reminds me that I need to fully express my love and appreciation to our Father and long to be with him daily… hourly… constantly. There is nothing or no one that compares with him. I have walked with him for many years, but my heart longs for an ever stronger, deeper, and more devoted relationship with my Lord.
Psalms 70:4 (NLT) - But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “God is great!”