(Original post 4/2/2019 – Updated 3/16/2021)

A few years ago Kelsey wanted to give her dad a special birthday present, but what she wanted to give him was going to take a bit of…..finessing. =). See, she really thought what her dad needed for his birthday was a puppy, but knowing it was unlikely he would agree to getting a dog, because, after all, puppies do grow up to be dogs, she hatched a plan! Their birthdays are less than two weeks apart from one another, and she thought of the only way she was almost sure to get her wish – she asked if for her birthday, Tom would get a dog….for himself! Clever girl. =)

That’s how it came to be that 3 1/2 years ago this fluffy ball of fur wobbled into our home and our hearts. He is an Australian Shepherd, and his name is Boaz.

I cannot possibly overstate how happy this dog is, like, all of the time.

He’s intelligent and funny and absolutely loves anything that resembles a round sphere that he can fit in his mouth. If there were a Match.com for dogs, his profile would be something like this:

“Young single Aussie, ready to play. Likes to take long walks on the sidewalk, enjoys riding in the backseat with his face in the wind, chasing cats out of his yard, and discovering treats he just hid. Perfect date would be sprinting after a ball and returning it repeatedly, then cooling off with a quick dip in the pool. Personal strengths are friendliness, loyalty and a discerning bark. All are welcome to apply!”

Though Boaz is always, and I do mean always happy to see anyone, there is no question he is first and foremost devoted to his best buddy and number one ball thrower….he is without a doubt, 100% Tom’s dog. If I come home first he’ll do his crazy wiggle dance, find a ball to shove in his mouth and half run/walk sideways to make sure I know he’s really, really happy to see me. Then, having been polite in welcoming me…..he goes to the door, sits down, and looks out of the window for his real pal to come home….

Their relationship really is something to watch. Boaz truly finds joy in following Tom anywhere and everywhere. “Wanna come take out the trash?” (Wiggle/run/wiggle/run) “Wanna help me with the laundry?” (Wiggle/sniff/inspect inside of dryer/wiggle)? “Wanna go for a ride?” (Shoot like a rocket to the car/wiggle/run in circles/wiggle) Whether it’s mowing the lawn, working on the car, cleaning the garage….it really doesn’t matter….he’s going to be where Tom is, and he’s going to be fully devoted to every moment. Even when he sometimes runs ahead or doesn’t quite anticipate the next move right, he quickly comes back and figures it out – realigning his steps with Tom’s.

I wonder….what if I followed God with that same kind of devotion? (Minus the wiggles!) What if I anticipated where He was going to go and felt joy just to be with Him? How would it strengthen my faith to believe I could trust Him with anything and took delight in basking in His attention and love for me? What would it be to work beside Him in total confidence, believing that as long as He was with me, we were going to be more than OK? And even when I run ahead and try to figure out where to go on my own, what if I were quick to return and to realign my steps with His?

I know it’s a bit silly, but my desire to follow God with such trust and devotion is very real. So maybe there’s something to be learned here from Boaz the dog……besides his mad wiggle skills. =)

Much love,

Shellie ♥