Sober since April 6, 2006

That's
days

Thursday, December 20, 2007

'tis the season

"I'm ready for my close-up!"


I'm grateful, very grateful.

I was walking my dog the other night, and something dawned on me. His ability to forgive and love is amazing.

While we were walking, I realized that he didn't care about the things I did a few hours earlier that hurt his feelings: I took his half-destroyed toy (choking hazard) away. I "shushed" him for barking. I scolded him for stealing a sock from the laundry.

He's very expressive, so it was plain to see that the chastisements hurt his feelings. He sulked for a few minutes, but he didn't hold it against me. He forgave me almost immediately. He was happy -- as if nothing had gone wrong.

I realized that when people upset me, I hold it against them. I'll harbor the resentment until I fall apart. I stay miserable the entire time.

But watching my dog reminded me that forgiveness brings happiness. He has no pride or ego -- he just has love in its most pure form. I think we are all born with that kind of love, and it's a good goal to love unconditionally like that again.

What a beautiful example.

It reminds me of the prayer, "God, help me to be the person my dog thinks I am."


Today, I'm especially thankful for ...
  • being sober
  • my family
  • my sweet dog
  • my job
  • being able to buy gifts for loved ones
  • being healthy
  • learning new things
  • God, because He sends messages in such obvious ways that they're easy to miss ...

9 comments:

An Irish Friend of Bill said...

animals are great teachers. my cat is as accomplished as a zen master. living in the moment, dignity, playfulness, presence. amazing!
Have a nice weekend!

Recovery Road London said...

That's a cracking pic and the hound looks quite proud of the headwear.

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Dog spelled backwards is God :-)See Ya

An Irish Friend of Bill said...

Have a great christmas! Its been very nice getting to know you. Long may it continue!

Anonymous said...

Ho! Ho! Ho!

May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His Love at Christmas and always.

Greetings and lotta loves from Malaysia.

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An Irish Friend of Bill said...

PUT THE SOUND ON AND ENJOY

Happy !! New Year!!

put this in your browser address bar..
http://www.icq.com/img/friendship/static/card_16961_rs.swf

Redhead Gal said...

Happy New Year! The picture is great.

Anonymous said...

Soooo cute and handsome looking guy you have there. It is amazing what animals can teach us. I love your description of your experience. I hope your New Year is coming along smoothly.