Our family recently expanded to include a very cute, fluffy, and energetic little Cavoodle named Chico. I’ll admit upfront that I’m not exactly an enthusiastic animal lover. No, I’m not a monster—but having grown up on a farm, I’ve always believed animals make great pets, but they don’t belong inside, on the couch, running around underfoot, or snuggling on laps.
The driving force behind getting a dog was my kids. They firmly believe that animals should be inside, on the couch, running around underfoot, and snuggling on laps.
To their credit, they’ve been very responsible, doing a great job of making sure Chico is fed, watered, dry, taken to the toilet, shown affection, and made comfortable. But, much to my chagrin, it turns out the person Chico wants affection and attention from is ... me. I am the one he looks to when he needs something. Everyone else can leave the room, but as soon as I make a move to go, he starts whining. There are six people in the house for him to follow, but he consistently chooses me. He sits on the floor, watching as I drink my morning coffee, waiting for me to look at him or give him any kind of attention. There are always dog toys and offers of snuggles from very willing volunteers, yet he waits patiently for me.
Me—who is perfectly happy with an arm's-length relationship where I provide the necessities and leave the relational part to others. Me—who feels like I’m contributing enough by financing his new lifestyle. But Chico is relentless. He is patient. He is determined.
Chico’s relentless pursuit of my attention and affection reminds me of the way Jesus approaches His relationship with us. It’s easy to slip into transactional habits—going through the motions of doing the things we think are necessary to have a relationship with Him. But what He truly desires is our attention, our time, our affection, and our hearts. He is relentless. He is patient. He is determined to meet us where we are and engage us in a two-way relationship. He continually pursues us, overcoming any obstacle in the way. His ultimate goal? For us to know and accept His love and to spend eternity together.
The lyrics from Reckless Love by Cory Asbury always resonate with me, reminding me of the loving yet determined way Jesus pursues and loves us:
"There's no shadow you won't light up
Mountain you won't climb up
Coming after me
There's no wall you won't kick down
Lie you won't tear down
Coming after me"
If you are unsure of how Jesus feels about you, how much He wants to have a relationship with you, or how to start getting to know Him, please reach out to one of our Campus Ministries team, or a staff member you feel comfortable with.
I can tell you that Chico’s approach is working. It’s been 10 days and I’m beginning to accept that this fluffball might just be winning this battle. I’ve already accepted that he will be an inside dog, and most mornings you can find me with him snuggled on my lap as I drink my coffee. How could I say no to that little face and the way he nuzzles into the crook of my elbow?
Chico: 1
Me: 0
(And I’m ok with that)
Psalm 23:6 "Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
Mrs Christie Venegas
PROPEL Teacher
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