Do you own a dog? Better yet, do you share your space, your clothes, your whole life with a little furry person? I do. He is my boy, Ollie.

Well, I fell into a trap this morning. I started having a staring contest with Mr. Personality himself. I lost of course, but I began to wonder what random thoughts were behind those eyes. Does he know he is loved, cared for, safe, and that I would fight a wolf to save him? Does he know his friendship saved me on some mornings when I was recovering from cancer? Does he know when he curls up in my lap the clock stops? Does he know I am as much his as he is mine? The time I spend with him is precious. It is restorative. I like to believe that he loves his pop even when I am more messed up than buttoned up.

As I wandered through the mental ruminations of life with a dog, I glanced into a mirror and saw another set of eyes, and I began to wonder. What does God think when He looks into my eyes? Does he wonder why I won’t rest my head in His arms more often? Does He wonder if I know He loves me, cares for me, has given me life, and even fought the ultimate wolf of death for me. I had to ask myself, does He wonder if I know that He loves me just as much when I am messed up as when I am buttoned up? Do my actions show Him he matters to me?

The world tells us we must be perfect, well-heeled, obediently trained to have worth, to be loved. Yet, I love Ollie no matter what. I may get aggravated. I might roll my eyes. I may get tired of his feet in my back when I am sleeping. But, he is my boy.

How much greater is God’s love for us. We are not His pets. We are His creation, and we are loved whether pedigree or pieced together. We are the reason He gave up His son as a living sacrifice. When we are blessed to gaze upon our Creator and Savior, what will our eyes show?