God moves through dogs and dads

Never did I think my dad would be the one who knew my heart best. He’s proven so, many times. 

Dad’s never the first to speak but he’s always quick to listen. He knows when I need nourishment and his gentle spirit leads him to help and support me in the ways I need most. 

The first time I realized this was when I felt alone in a world that looked at me, even stared, as if I didn’t belong. My body alienated me from any type of relational existence. 

It was six years ago and I had just bought my home in downtown Minneapolis. I had a new job, a new neighborhood and a new life. I was “adulting.” And I was scared.

My parents came to the Cities to help me move and get settled. In the midst of moving furniture, organizing silverware and hanging pictures, I turned to my parents and said “I think I want to get a dog.” My mom, knowing my Monica Geller-style cleaning tendencies replied “Are you sure?” I told them I felt prompted to do this and after a minute my dad chimed in, “I think it’s a great idea!” His eyes were warm with Christ’s love.

We took a break to do some appliance shopping and grab dinner at the Olive Garden. During dinner, I showed Mom and Dad photos of several of the no-shed breeds I’d researched. “I want a blonde dog,” I added. Mom and Dad smiled as we continued scrolling through photos. 

The next day I found a Shih Tzu-Poodle with the cutest underbite I’d ever seen. And he was blonde! Dad agreed, this was the dog: my dog! My heart overflowed with joy.

Looking back, somehow Dad knew. He knew my heart needed nourishment during a time when I felt broken, alone and judged. And he knew that as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t be there with me in Minneapolis; but a dog could. 

Murphy has been there to love me no matter what my circumstances. He cuddled without judgement. He offered companionship without expecting anything in return. Murphy never saw me as broken; his love reflects the same unconditional love God shows us. 

Murphy helped pull me out of a very dark season. And Dad, he was the one who saw that before anyone else (even me). I thank God every day for Murphy and in retrospect, my dad’s sensitivity toward my needs. Dad accepted the call to be a vessel through whom God’s perfect love was delivered. 

So this Father’s Day and every one thereafter, I praise the Lord for blessing me with a Godly man with the gentlest spirit, and the kindest, most patient and loving heart. I can’t imagine doing life without him. Today, we celebrate him. 

Because God moves (and shows His love) through dogs and dads. 

Father’s Day 2018