Last night I had one of the best surprises at a business meeting – there were two very happy, very slobbery, very furry attendees. Granted, they didn’t have much valuable input as the work group discussed the strategic planning process, but Lola, the Golden Retriever, was young and funny, and Sophia, the elderly Black Lab, was cuddly and attentive. Not only did the meeting go extremely well, but I also left with a warm heart and lots of dog kisses. What more could I possibly want from a two-hour meeting?
 
So right about now, I bet there’s someone out there reading this who would’ve hated my meeting. I once had a boss who despised dogs of any kind. Sad, but true. And I am sure some people would’ve preferred two cats at the meeting instead. But regardless of your animal preferences (or none at all!), there are some amazing lessons our pets can teach us. As I drove home last night to my empty house, I started thinking about our dog and how much I learned during her life.
 
About 18 months ago, we had to say goodbye to our beloved Pug, Livy. In the five days following her departure from our lives, I wrote a short letter to God each day as a way of processing my grief. Last night as I was thinking of Livy, I found the letters tucked away under a book on my nightstand. I had read somewhere that if I focused on being thankful to God for the blessing of having such a treasured furry friend, it would lessen my guilt and help me to move on more easily. I think it did. While I’ve missed Livy’s companionship, I certainly haven’t missed her mounds of hair all over my floor, furniture and clothes. But last night, filled up with all that borrowed puppy love from Lola and Sophia, I couldn’t help but ponder all the spiritual lessons that God taught me through being a dog owner.
 
Letter #1 – Trust in Your Provider
My Heavenly, Generous Father,
Thank you for the life of my sweet dog, Livy. She was such a joy… and a big sacrifice for us, teaching us patience and unconditional love. It’s so humbling to look into the eyes of a creature that looks back at you with 100% trust and dependence. She relied on us for her very existence, yet she never had a single moment of doubt about our dependability for her food, her water, and of course, her toys. There was a warm pillow in the front of the fire in the winter, and a cool bowl of water by the lake in the summer. Just like you do for us, God, we met her every need. There were things she wanted we would never give her – like a second helping of kibble. But, Father, isn’t that how you are with us? Sometimes we question why you don’t give us everything we want, not realizing that there are things too big, too complex or too heavy for us to know or handle. Lord, I am reminded of how my life is in your hands. In my limited human nature, if I am capable of loving my dog this much, how on earth then could I ever doubt how much you love and care for me as your creation… your child? You are all I need, God. Thank you for giving us 11 years with that hairy, lovable, funny mess. We loved her. But as my Provider, I love you more, Jehovah-Jireh. “And my God will supply every need of yours…” Philippians 4:19
 
Letter #2 – Give Endless Grace and Patient Friendship
Dear God,
Thank you for your presence today and the amazing amount of strength you gave me as I came home to an empty house after work. Thinking back on all the years of being a dog owner, I would have spent oodles of time when I got home today taking her for a walk, feeding her, and cleaning up all that hair. Despite all the work that she was, especially in the last couple of years, you gave us lots of grace to keep loving her even though her care took up way more time than we wanted it to. Livy extended us a lot of grace, come to think of it. We stuffed her in that little airplane travel box every Christmas to fly west, and she never complained. We had late day meetings. Date nights. So many times she waited in a kennel and then she would bounce with overflowing happiness when we walked through the door. And now, the grace of our friends and family blows my mind. No one can love your pet the way you do. I can’t even believe how silly we were with finding the perfect toy or playing her favorite song just to watch her dance. So our friends – who must be weary with all our stories and tears – are showering grace upon us over and over, as we talk about our dog incessantly and how special she was. They wait patiently while we chatter on. They even pray for us. God, you are so good for loving us through our friends. And the grace you extend us, God, is unfathomable. It exceeds more than I can comprehend offering someone else. “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…” Colossians 3:12-13
 
Letter #3 – See the Wonder Around You
Dear Amazing Creator,
Thank you for the wonder of your creation around me. As I took the road trip today for work, I was reminded of how much you speak in nature, reminding us of how magnificently and intricately you made everything around us. As I think about my dog again, it really is surprising how smart she was and how she learned my habits so well that she seemed to know what I would do next before I even knew. Father, you know me better than I know myself. You knew that I needed to see the splendor of Acadia National Park this week. I whined and complained about having to go on a business trip during a period of loss, but you knew that was exactly what I needed. From the big moose I saw lazily grazing along the highway to the stars over the water by the hotel, your creation wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket, whispering to me of the constancy of your presence in the steady rhythms of nature. My heart is filled with gratitude, God. “But ask the animals what they think – let them teach you… Isn’t it clear that they all know and agree that God is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand?” Job 12:7-10
 
Letter #4 – Work Hard, Play Hard
Dear King of My Heart,
Thank you for the intensity of creative work and how miraculous it is to be transported to a healthier state by mind-intensive tasks. Everything today required me to be fully present and not spend a second dwelling on any negative thoughts. Thank you for my talents and skills. Help me to always use them with humility and without stingy reservation. It’s funny how dogs don’t hold anything back and always fully focus on whatever they’re doing. When they play, they’re all about having fun. Then when they’re tired, they rest fully and peacefully. Whatever it is, they give 100% and don’t know how to give anything less. One of the funniest things Livy did was chewing her bone. For such a tiny dog, she attacked that thing with the ferocity and enthusiasm of a pit bull. Nothing could distract her until she felt like the job was done. Father, help me to give 100% to the work you set before me. You are glorified when I work as though I am working for you… fully present and completely committed. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
 
Letter # 5 – Take a Breather and Let it Go
Dear Loving Father,
Thank you for a time to rest. To just be. I always used to love watching Livy sleep on her pillow, especially in the winter time in front of a hot wood stove. After breakfast, she’d spend about five minutes making the perfect spot on her bed (I never could figure that process out!) and then curl up into a little tight ball to sleep. About an hour later, she’d stretch and reposition into a looser ball. Finally, somewhere around mid-morning, I’d walk by to find her completely sprawled out, belly up, with her fur warm enough to melt butter on contact. She knew when to rest, but God, sometimes I don’t. Ok, most times I don’t. Working hard is healthy and good, but sometimes I just keep going way beyond necessary. Father, please help me understand the meaning of margin… of breathing room… in my schedule, in my habits, and in my mind. Sometimes I’m amazed that the very task which is supposed to use the least amount of my brain power seems to take the most – trying to go to sleep. Thank you, God, for rest and help me to accept your gift to sleep peacefully without worry or stress. “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

Americans spend almost $3 billion annually on energy drinks and about one-third of us have coffee in the afternoons. And who knows how many people turn to chocolate or a Diet Coke for a boost to get through the day. All of these tasty – and caffeinated – options will usually do the trick to lift our mood and give us a little kick to power through a long afternoon. But what if a prayer break could deliver similar immediate results, but also pay other long-lasting dividends? Most of us turn to prayer for the big things. Healing from a scary diagnosis. Help out of a financial quagmire. A new job with a boss that treats us better. You get the idea. But what about something as simple as that common, everyday afternoon slump? I don’t mean praying about the slump itself, but what if taking a quick break to pray could actually cure your slump instantly? It’s cheaper than heading to Starbucks, and the studies show it will do you a whole lot more good.
 
More and more clinical and psychological research is showing that prayer and meditation can dramatically improve everything from energy levels to blood pressure. So besides the clearly spiritual reasons to pray, I was curious to explore all the other “fringe” benefits that God has in store for us when we supplement our longer, private quiet time with frequent bouts of conversation with Him throughout the day. Other than Jesus himself, one of the most famous prayer devotees was a monk called Brother Lawrence way back in the 1600s. Although he spent a large portion of his time tending the garden, washing dishes, or performing maintenance on the monastery, he made it his daily passion to pray unceasingly while he worked. As a result, he became convinced that when we do everything “wholly for the love of Him” by inviting God into every moment, we can find complete peace, happiness, and contentment in everyday life. “It is enough for me to pick up but a straw from the ground for the love of God,” Brother Lawrence said.
 
In our modern, hyper-stimulated world most of us are doing things much more stressful, frustrating or exhausting than picking up a piece of straw or serving in a peaceful mountain monastery, so the tangible benefits of a saying a few prayers several times a day may seem far-fetched. But before you dismiss the idea and head to Starbucks anyway, take a look at these research-backed, amazing benefits that occur when you take a short prayer break. (Quick tip: if you can find time to go to the restroom, then you have a built-in window for a brief prayer. I’ve invited God to walk with me to the bathroom many times!)
 
When you pray…
 
1. Your energy rises as the stress hormone cortisol plummets, helping you to physically feel better and be more productive the rest of the day. There are many studies linking prayer and meditation to a reduction in cortisol and better long-term stress management, but one of the most stunning ones is from Rutgers which showed a 50% reduction in the hormone with routine meditation. Plus, there are a host of other physical improvements that occur following a time of prayer, such as a drop in blood pressure, reduced heart rate, increased melatonin and serotonin levels, and a better immune response. So if you have a stressful job and you incorporate small bursts of prayer throughout the day, you might not get sick as often since your immune system will be stronger over time. Most importantly, if you need an energy boost to conquer that next project, deal with that angry customer, or to simply stop procrastinating, a prayer break can fire up your brain and rejuvenate your ability to focus more effectively than a latte (and it’s calorie free – bonus!).
 
2. Your perspective shifts, opening your mind up to broader, less self-focused opportunities. Dr. Andrew Newberg of Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia has been studying the effect of prayer on the human brain for more than 20 years. When observing the brains of people praying, he says the scans reveal that the area of the brain associated with our sense of self begins to "shut down" in prayer. In other words, if you are less concerned about your own agenda, promotion or protection, you will probably be more receptive to others’ good ideas and less defensive in difficult conversations. Plus, you may be more likely to praise others for their hard work, making it easier for your co-workers, family members or teammates to like you and want to support you.
 
3. Your mood will improve, which will make the rest of day go more smoothly. A study by Columbia University showed that a regular spiritual practice like prayer actually thickens part of the brain’s cortex, which may be the reason that prayer has been shown to not only lift mood but also help prevent depression. Everyone knows a tough day will seem to drag on even longer if your mood continues to tank. Recently, my husband had a difficult day when he ran out of gas on the side of the road because his usual gas station was unexpectedly closed. With the temperature hovering around 15 degrees and a client waiting for him, he had every reason to be frustrated and stressed out. But a quick prayer helped him shift his perspective to be thankful that the car stalled out near another open gas station with a friendly attendant willing to help him. Rather than showing up at the client’s office visibly frazzled and angry, he was relieved and thankful to make it on time. Researchers have found that prayer makes people nicer by reducing the amount of aggression they feel and helping them to maintain their cool in stressful situations.
 
4. Your motivation increases and you’ll be more inclined to finish your tasks with excellence and focus. It may sound like mumbo-jumbo from a self-help book, but the studies clearly indicate that prayer and meditation increase the production of specific brain chemicals that help us concentrate, reduce fatigue, and feel motivated. Of course, if you are striving to work as though you are serving God, then you will naturally want to perform with excellence in whatever you do. And when we invite God into every little thing, the Spirit is going to work in ways you’ve never imagined. Colossians 3:23 and Ephesians 6:7 make it clear that when our motivation is driven by the love of Jesus, whether we are serving in our workplaces, volunteering in our communities, or helping our families, then we will find a lasting satisfaction that has eternal significance. So the next time you think filing paperwork or washing dishes isn’t satisfying, pray while you’re doing those kinds of chores and see if your motivation doesn’t change.
 
5. Your ability to make decisions and generate more creative solutions will skyrocket. One of the most ironic things about being human is that the more we strain to make something happen, the less likely it seems to become. Whether it's writer’s block, feeling paralyzed in the face of a big decision, or trying to find your soul mate, some of life’s greatest irony is to be found in unmet goals and faded dreams. I’ve personally experienced it many times and I’ve witnessed in the lives of countless friends, but when you practice turning things over to Christ and release them to His control in prayer, one of two things happens. He either opens the door in His time in a way you didn’t expect, or He changes your heart’s desires to long for the things He has for you. The Bible makes it clear that we can boldly go to the throne room of grace and ask God for what He’s already promised us. James 1:5 says that God gives wisdom freely to all those who seek it from Him. Philippians 4:7 promises peace. A “living” hope is promised in 1 Peter 1:3-4. Strength is provided for those who wait on the Lord in Isaiah 40:31.
 
When it is creativity that we need, praying is like tapping into a superhighway directly hooked into the Source of all creativity. By God’s amazing design, praying helps to stimulate our neocortex, which is the newest part of our brain responsible for creativity, problem solving and strategizing. So when you feel the pressure to summon the most innovative ideas from within, the best place to find them is where God leads you in prayer or meditating on Him. As author Stephen Altrogge says in his blog post, “Creativity is hardwired into our DNA by God Himself. All of us were made to be creative people. God, the greatest of all creators, the One who fashioned the sun, and the humpback whale, and the Great Dane, made us in His image.” So next time you are stumped, blocked, frustrated, confused, stressed, or just plain drained, try prayer instead of something with caffeine or sugar. And when you’re not experiencing any of those things, pray in advance to ward off those feelings before they can take hold and drag you down. Brother Lawrence said, “There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.”
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This was the view out my window this morning. Turbulent seas as far as the eye can see with 20 foot swells, 60 mph winds and dreary skies. Not exactly the kind of day (or night!) my husband and I hoped for on our first morning of a long-awaited tropical vacation. Fortunately we’re the type of people who don’t mind being rocked to sleep by a rolling ocean. But with sky-high swells and roaring winds, our stateroom felt more like a seat on rickety roller coaster than a gently swaying cradle.

During one of the many times I was awake during the night, a favorite childhood Bible story came to mind. And somewhere between sleep and awake, I started seeing Matthew 8:23-27 play out like a movie in the rocking darkness. There was Jesus fast asleep on a tiny wooden fishing boat — a mere 26.5 feet long compared to our 965-foot cruise ship — being tossed about on the Sea of Galilee. As the vision played out, suddenly I understood the magnitude of Him being able to sleep through the storm. Here I was tossing and turning in a soft, warm bed shielded from the wind and rain, and there He was sleeping soundly while 12 other men panicked around Him as water crested the bow and coursed into the boat over and over.

Ok, so yes, we are talking about God incarnate being able to sleep versus a sound-sensitive human like me. But isn’t the question here, why he chose to sleep in the first place and not how? The surface answer is that he chose to sleep to demonstrate to the disciples that in Him  there is 100% peace and rest in any storm — no matter how wet, cold and noisy it is. But as I laid there imagining Peter rushing to wake up a sleeping Jesus, an unusual thought came to my mind — Jesus smiling with his eyes still closed. Here are two men in completely opposite states of mind in the exact same situation. One is in utter panic, fearing for his life and incapable of making sound decisions. And the other is at total peace. So much at peace that He continues to lay there for a minute with a simple, knowing smile on his face as Peter shakes Him forcefully. He knows something Peter doesn’t... yet. He knows that sometimes it is better to ride the waves than fight the current. This is the deeper question Jesus answers for us — when do you rise up and fight the storms of life and when do you simply yield and ride it out?

Oswald Chambers, the great theologian, wrote about this very topic more than a hundred years ago. And God graciously brought it to my attention as this morning's devotional in Oswald’s book My Utmost for His Highest. “The surf that distresses the ordinary swimmer, produces in the surf rider the super joy of going clean through it.” Isn’t it so amazing how God always speaks truth into our lives exactly when we need to hear it?

Oswald’s verse for today is Romans 8:37, which says that we are more than conquerors in Him who loved us. And the other one that came to my mind is Exodus 14:14 where God tells Joshua that he will fight for him. All he needs to do is be still. There are times in all our lives when we have to go through a storm. Sometimes God leads us to fight valiantly for Him as he enables our cause, but other times He wants us to simply be still and let the current have its way with us. In these times His Spirit whispers to us, “to rest... to let go... and just let the waves rock you.” He gently encourages us, “They won’t hurt you if you stop fighting them and instead learn to ride upon them, harnessing their energy and letting them take you to where I want you to go. To learn what I want to teach you. Stop trying to control the storm. You can’t do it anyway. Rather, I want you to lay in the boat and ride it out with me. Marvel at the storm’s ferocity. Get caught up in the wonder of its power and timing. All because you know I control it all. Through me, you can experience peace and even joy in the tribulation because you can rest assured that I will receive all the glory for sustaining you in the turmoil.”

In Matthew 11:28-30 in The Message version, Jesus says, “Walk with me and experience the unforced rhythms of grace.” Isn’t that what the storms of life are really for? They aren’t for us to panic over. They aren’t even for us to earn accolades by weathering them well. They are for us to journey to a deeper level than we could’ve ever imagined — to learn something new about Jesus and how much He loves us. He wants you right next to Him — as close to Him as you can get — in the boat of life. And sometimes that means He has to rock it a bit to get you to fall back next to Him, right where you belong.

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