Plays Well With Others

Just recently, the dogs have been going to the local dog park.  It's a good half hour drive, which is long with panting, whining, excited dogs.  On the way home, though, it's much faster as they are tired.

At the dog park, all sizes, shapes and ages of dogs sniff, run, and play.  Every now and then, hackles are raised and owners step in to remind them to back off and be nice.

Community is hard.  Really hard.  There is so much disagreement in our culture sometimes it seems there are few topics one can safely discuss without ruffling each other's "fur."  We are tempted to avoid people rather than weather those difficulties, focusing instead on what we have in common, and choosing kindness over disagreement. 

With a tendency to be grumpy, I need God to step in and remind me to play nice with others.  It's not always easy to meet new people and get to know others.  However, it is worth the effort, even if it feels a bit bumpy along the way.  Being successful socializing leaves me happy.

Over and over again God calls us to "love one another."  As our Creator, He knows that we NEED other people, even when it's difficult, to be happy in life.

Today grab your dog and go out to meet others.  You and your dog will be glad you did.