I adore my little Griffonshire puppy (part Yorkie, part Brussels Griffon). Full of energy, he is always excited to see me, wanting my attention, wanting to play, or sometimes just wanting to curl up on my lap. Of course, as a responsible puppy owner, I am teaching him pertinent lessons. Such as “sit,” “wait,” “give,” and so on. Lately, however, I have been noticing that my adorable little puppy may have a lesson or two for me.

When my husband or I prepare food in the kitchen, the puppy positions himself strategically at our feet, between us and the counter – the most advantageous location for receiving any food that happens to fall from the counter. He doesn’t hang around the kitchen unless we’re in there. Because he knows we are the key to the falling treats.

As he looks up at me, standing at my feet, I can’t help but laugh. He waits expectantly. It makes me think of the Israelites in the desert, crying out for food, and God providing for them every day with “manna,” bread from heaven. My puppy looks up at me, waiting patiently for “manna from heaven.” And since I adore him, I tend to spoil him, dropping a morsel here, a tidbit there, rewarding his position and his patience.

Each time I’m in the kitchen and he’s at my feet, I can’t help but consider my relationship with my Heavenly Father and how I position myself with Him. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father…” (James 1:7) If I know this to be true, I have to ask myself, do I position myself at His feet, knowing that there I am in the most advantageous place to receive His good gifts, His “manna from heaven?” Do I look expectantly to Him, waiting, knowing that He is the Key to these gifts? Do I trust that He loves me, His child, and will surely bless my position and patience?

“But God did listen and answered my prayer. Let’s praise God! He listened when I prayed, and he is always kind.”
Psalm 66:19-20