Last night our little dog, Riley, seemed agitated.

He kept circling me in the kitchen, and, at first, I thought he was begging for food. He can’t have any table scraps, or human food tidbits, with his very sensitive stomach, so I shooed him out. He kept coming back, however, seemingly trying to get my attention about something else. Finally, I picked him up, took him into the living room and sat on the sofa with him, giving him a thorough once over. It turned out that he had a burr in his armpit.

I’d be agitated, too.

Once it was removed, he completely relaxed. I was wrapped up in my Snuggie by then, and he circled his usual 27, or so, times, found his perfect spot, then laid down. It wasn’t long before he flipped over on his back, in true Doxie style, and began his soft snore. Boyfriend was kicked back without a care in the world, snug and comfy right next to one of his favorite people.

As we sat there, I was re-reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. We’re in the midst of some flux and waiting over here, which is causing no small amount of impatience and stress. I found myself going back through the notes I’d made in my book.

(I’m a crazy book-marker, margin-writer. My elementary school librarian would be appalled.)

I had underlined this:

Both worry and stress reek of arrogance…Why are we so quick to forget God? Who do we think we are?

That’ll slap you silly, right there.

About that time, Riley shifted his little body to snuggle in closer. In that moment, I realized that he’d come straight to me with his worry and stress, and, once he’d handed it over for me to handle, he’d stayed right next to me, finding it the very best place to relax.

He’s very wise, my little dog, and not the least bit arrogant. I could take a lesson from him.

Maybe you, too?

“Therefore humble yourselves [demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation] under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you,casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 AMP

“Cast your burden on the Lord [releasing the weight of it] and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be moved (made to slip, fall, or fail).” Psalm 55:22 AMP

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” Matthew 11:28 AMP