Treasurers from a Mutt

We had to bring to the Vet and "put down" our 14 year old dog TBone yesterday. He has been in our family since 1998. We picked him up from the pound when we first moved into our home. Our son Craig was the one doing the picking and he was looking for the dog next in line to the "sleep chamber" (if you know what I mean). TBone was almost two when we got him. He's part something and something else, we still aren't sure.
We never planned on loving a dog like we loved TBone. I was more of a "dog lover" than Lisa, but they were still pets. TBone, however, just won us over. It might have been his calm demeanor, or his loveable face. Maybe it was his habit of crossing one leg over the other when he laid down. There were lots of little things that made TBone special. For me, the big thing I loved about TBone was how much he loved me. He was a dog that just radiated loyalty. When I would walk around in the backyard, he would wait until I passed then walk behind me. When I would sit, he would set his face on my lap and just look up. I can't remember a time when TBone didn't want to come to me when he saw me; even in the last days when he couldn't come. There was never any doubt about his devotion. Maybe dogs are God's way of giving us an earthly example of unconditional love and devotion because understanding the depth of God's love almost seems incomprehensible. Either way, there's a great feeling about having a dog that loves you that much. I'm not sure cat lovers can say the same thing.
Seeing how dedicated TBone is in following me makes me wonder what kind of a follower I am to Christ. Does my life radiate loyalty, love and devotion for Christ? Do I face each day looking forward to spending time with Jesus? Some might think it almost insulting to make the comparison, but for me, it's a compliment. For those who saw TBone and I together, there was no doubt my dog loved me. When it comes to following Jesus, I want there to be no doubt I love Jesus. I would think following Jesus requires as much, if not more.
How about you? What does following Jesus mean to you? Which relationship makes a greater statement about love - your pet's love for you, or your love for Jesus? I pray that it's the later. Look each day for opportunities to show your love to Jesus. Follow Him faithfully. Be like Mary, in the Bible, who sat at Jesus' feet to learn. Pray that God would give you a love for Him that can truly be described by those who meet you as "loving with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."
Thanks for teaching me about unconditional love, TBone.

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