Doggy Penance

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Doggy Penance

 

The transgression loomed large on the scale of Doggy offences at least in the eyes of the chief cleaner-upper. But there was a possible excuse to explain the behavior. The early morning rain fell in sheets. The storm was loud and electrical. Lightning traveled the length of the sky followed by thunderous booms directly overhead. Terrified, the doggy cowered under the bed. A little while later, a foul odor greeted a visit to the bedroom where a large puddle graced the bottom sheet. Oh-oh. A search under the bed didn’t reveal the odor’s source, but a careful lift of the top sheet exposed the offending pile. Lucy lay on her doggy bed and averted her eyes while we exclaimed over this unusual breach of her well-trained doggy habits. As her owner cleaned up the mess, the dog kept throwing glances from the corner of her eyes, guilty regret quite obvious. With the mattress cleaned and the mess disposed of, a doleful Lucy followed her mistress to her chair. For the next 24 hours, she stayed close to her beloved owner, perching beside her, laying her head on her lap, putting a paw on her arm as if to say she was sorry and reassure herself she was still loved.

 

Of course, this human interpretation of her actions may have been entirely wrong. But it does make me think about my reactions to my Lord when I make a mistake. I must remember not to avert my eyes from my God. Instead, like that doggy, I’m wise to stay close to my God, accept His love, and stay reassured that His love is never withdrawn. When I ask, He forgives my mistakes.