It’s no Coincidence that God spelled backwards is Dog

One of my dogs never leaves my side and lays right next to me when I’m working. While doing some last-minute Christmas shopping recently (since everything I do is last minute), I walked by the dog section in a store and stopped in my tracks when I saw a shirt for dogs that read “branch manager” (I’m also very good at wasting time).

Now, obviously this is a play on words, and dogs like to play with tree branches, and they manage them, ha ha. BUT, since I already joke that my dog is my co-worker, my eyes lit up and that bad boy went right in my cart.

I put it on her as soon as I got home and started making my jokes. “The new Branch Manager is here!” “Everyone, show some respect for the new Branch Manager of Rooted!” No one in the family found it quite as funny as I did.

So as mentioned above, my dog lies thisclosetome when I’m working. And, what I’ve noticed is that every so often, she will get up, and nudge me with her head, or give me her paw, or scooch in even closer than I thought possible for some cuddles. She is always there, and I am aware she is always there…but sometimes I need a nudge to acknowledge her. Like, a literal and physical nudge as she smacks me with her giant paw (she’s a Saint Bernard, fyi).

I would initially get annoyed - I am SO BUSY, after all. I don’t have time to stop! But then I realized that she just needs a little love from her mom for a moment. So now when this happens, I take a minute and talk softly to her, and give her some pets and cuddles, and then we both get back to work. Being a Branch Manager is very time-consuming, after all.

During one of our mini cuddle sessions one day, it dawned on me that this is very similar to the relationship I have with God. I take time to pray and then move on with my day. But, isn’t He still always there? Waiting for me, hoping I will take a moment to acknowledge Him? Even if it’s just for a moment to Thank Him for something, to tell Him I love Him, or even just to say hi? The special time I set aside for prayer is intentional, peaceful, and beautiful. But I also need to bring Him into all my “doing.” Whether I’m grocery shopping, working, doing laundry…He is there just hoping I will acknowledge Him.

So now, when my dog comes and gives me a nudge and I am petting her, I also take some time to talk to God. I realize this sounds like a silly comparison, but my dog giving me that physical nudge serves as a reminder to acknowledge God as well. I talk to Him about my day so far and how I’m feeling and what I have to get done. I talk to Him as if a friend sent me a text, asking about my day. The more I do this, the more a habit it has been becoming to talk to Him throughout the day. It’s a way to connect with God and feel not so alone as I’m rushing from one thing to the next. It definitely helps me feel more centered and peaceful.

I encourage you to do the same. As you are busy with work and doing all the things that need to be done, instead of feeling frustrated or annoyed at an interruption - can you see it as a nudge from God? Just popping in to remind you that He is there with you, and you are not alone. A reminder to stop and acknowledge Him, even if it’s just for a moment. Sometimes a moment is all it takes to bring a little peace into your day - and that can make all the difference.

God Bless You! And special thanks to my Branch Manager for helping me come to this realization.