Frig Philosophy

"May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."  From one of my favorite refrigerator magnets.  The magnet reminded me to  aspire to be a better person because of  unconditional love.  My dogs follow me wherever I go.  They love me on my good days and my bad.  They remind me of what really is important in life, character, not what others think.

When I read Mark 1:32-34 I stopped to ponder the end of verse 34.  Jesus had spent the evening healing  the sick of a variety of illnesses and driving out the demons in the possessed.  But He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.

Why did Jesus forbid the demons to tell who He was? I think Jesus wanted the people to hear His message from Him, not from evil ones, and to see His love without distraction from the world.  Jesus didn't need "street cred" from them.  He came to reveal God's message according to God's plan.  There was no need for additional publicity.

The final words in verse 34 made me think that too often we strive for worldly recognition.  Too often we thirst for adulation from those who really don't matter.

My dog Molly is a challenge.  When I come in the door she barks loudly and incites the other two dogs into chaos.  We call it "banshee barking".  She feels the need to single herself for my attention.  It's quite annoying.  We've tried all manner of disciplines but the two that stop the behavior the best are giving her something to put in her mouth(sometimes literally put a sock in her mouth) and Dick calling her to "assume the position" of leaning into his chair and petting.

Yet I am committed to Molly in spite of her behavior.  I haven't listed her on Craig's list because she is loyal.   She follows me throughout the house.  When I'm in my sewing room, she's laying at my feet.  When I'm at the table, she's at  my feet (unless Dick is eating elsewhere and she's waiting on him to spill).  Molly thinks I'm great!  I may have a day when I haven't pleased those in the world but Molly is always pleased with me.

My dogs inspire me to love unconditionally, to give, to strive, to forgive.  

Jesus came to Earth to show me God's unconditional love.  God's message of love for me is found in His word.  I don't need to have the message of God's Love validated by others.  I don't need to demand His attention and love by annoying behaviors that distract me from leaning into His love.

Jesus' Message inspires me

                to give my whole being to God,

                to strive to please God, not those in the world, and

                to forgive myself and those in the world who fail me. 

God has shown I'm worth it.  He see more in me than the world does or than I do.

Perhaps my next refrigerator magnet should read  "May I be the kind of person God thinks I am."