Man's Best Friend


An e-mail in recent circulation listed "Things We Can Learn from Our Dogs."  It's worth 
reading.

?	When loved ones come home, always run to meet them.
?	Take naps.  And stretch thoroughly before rising.
?	Run, romp, and play for a little while every day.
?	Never pass up the opportunity for a joyride.
?	Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
?	Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
?	Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
?	Never pretend to be something you're not.
?	If what you want lies buried somewhere, dig until you find it.
?	When someone you love is having a bad day, be silent, sit close, and gently 
nuzzle.
?	Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
?	Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
?	On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shade tree.
?	When you're happy, bounce around and wag your whole body.
?	No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout.  Run 
right back and make some more friends.
?	Be loyal.

Good things we can learn from dogs?  Absolutely!  When I read the list, I was reminded 
of the "fruits of the Spirit" recorded in 2 Peter 1, beginning in verse 5:  Faith, goodness, 
knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love.  Look at the 
doggy list again and notice how many of the principles could be drawn from fruits of the 
Spirit.  In that 2 Peter 1 text, I really like the ending promise (verse 8).

"For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep 
you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord 
Jesus Christ."  

Be happy this week.  Be loyal.  Rest.  Be gentle.  Show greater love….fruits of the Spirit 
allowing us to be effective and productive in Jesus!