“Am I a God who is near,” declares the Lord,

“And not a God far off?

Can a man hide himself in hiding places,

So I do not see him?” declares the Lord.

“Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the Lord.

Jeremiah 23:23

I’ve introduced you to Wesley (our 29# terrier) several times, but I learn from everything in my world–the trees, the birds, the fallen leaves–so I learn from Wes. He’s going on nine now, and he still has so much intelligence that has not been tapped. He could be in the most prestigious dog show! (But then I may be slightly prejudiced!)

He goes in the car with us and rides with his rear feet on the rear seat and stands with his front feet on the console. He’s good and stays in his place most of the time, but he thrives on attention, words of praise, tidbits, and the love that I give him. (Typical of most males.) He will stand it as long as he can and then reach out with his front left paw (when I’m the designated driver) and push on my arm–that means, “Pay attention to me! Pet me! Love me!” (Typical of most males.)

I know, there are dogs of all breeds–and people of all nationalities–that have been blatantly ignored, terribly mistreated, neglected, and have survived without the loving care they so desperately need, but we all have this innate need to be loved. I believe God put that need in every living creature–especially in His human creatures.

I’m not talking about the “Eros” kind of love between husband and wife, but the “Phileo” kind of love between friends, family, and added members of other specie. I need that kind of love. You need that kind of love. God wouldn’t tell us to “love one another” if we didn’t need that love! We’ve talked about this before, but has it impregnated your relationships? You know, true learning involves change.

I’m going to Church this morning and I’ll spend a lot of my time “hugging” the people I see–women and men of all ages. I’m not a threat to anyone–male or female. My hug simply says to them, “Seeing you this morning is special for me. I love you.”

I guess we are all kind of like Wes–we reach out with that “paw” to remind people that we’re here and we’re needy and we know something about them–they are needy, too.

Thank You, Lord, that You are close enough to me that I don’t have to “reach” out to get Your attention and You know how much I need Your touch of love. There are those who say, “I can’t feel Him. I can’t see Him. I can’t hear Him.” And I tell them, He will be as real to you as you will allow Him to be. Listen, and you will hear Him say, “I love you today.” It could be from a tiny flower, from a breeze on your cheek, from a falling leaf, a raindrop, or the song of a bird. But He speaks to us of His love all the time.

I love you sings the April breeze,

I love you echo the hills.

I love you, the golden dawn agrees

as once more she sees daffodils . . .

are you listening?