I have new appreciation for the depth and meaning of God’s unconditional love, thanks to a four legged friend named Sophie.  Sophie belongs to my daughter, so that makes her my “grand dog”.  She is a lovable, friendly, almost-still-a-puppy mix of dachshund and something else we haven’t quite figured out yet.

My wife and I have had the pleasure of “sitting” for Sophie recently.  We made preparations of course; getting food and doggie treats ready, dog-proofing the house (as best we could) and making sure everything else was in order for her extended visit.  Since my wife and I have been “empty nesters” for a time, it was no small adjustment adding an energetic, curious, fast running and high jumping small dog to our daily routine.  After a brief period of adjustment, Sophie got used to our daily routine and we quickly learned how smart she can be.

What strikes me most is the unconditional love she offers in abundance.  My greatest joy in our time together occurred when I would get home from work.

Sophie would first announce my presence with sharp barks that I could hear from my driveway. When I’d open that door, without fail she would jump on me, tail wagging wildly.  The look in her eyes, and her incessant licking of my face would immediately bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  It didn’t matter how bad my day at work was, or how bored she may have gotten spending time alone during the work day.  All was forgotten when that door knob turned each evening.  She greeted me with unconditional love.  And that love was returned by me, as I was overjoyed to see her reaction and excitement.

No strings attached love. That’s what Sophie offered me every evening.  No judgment. Pure joy.  Here I am.

That’s what prompted me to relate that experience with my grand dog to God’s unconditional love for us, his children.  No matter what baggage I’m carrying, no matter how my day has gone, no matter what concerns are becoming burdensome in my life, God still offers that love in abundance.

But, you may be thinking, I don’t deserve such love.  No, and you and I never will.  It’s not a love that’s earned.  It’s not a love with pre-requisites.  It’s offered freely by a loving Father who wants nothing more to shower us with his free flowing, unconditional love.

Accept it. Embrace it. Be thankful for it.  God wants us to return that love which is so freely given.  Fix your eyes upon Him.  Worship and adore Him.  God’s unconditional love will bring immense joy to your life.

There’s one of those church message signs which read, “If you find yourself farther away from God, guess who moved?”  That’s a telling message.  And one that I should ponder when I find myself drifting away from God and his unconditional love.

Sophie has brought her unconditional love into my life.  That has transformed into joy in my heart.  God desires to do the same with our lives.  Just open the door and accept what freely awaits.

[author] [author_image timthumb='on']http://www.livebold.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/sf_thumb.png[/author_image] [author_info]My job is working as a TV reporter in Biloxi, Mississippi. I get my hair cut by a real barber, not someone in a salon. AARP has been sending me stuff for more than two years now. I recognize that I’m over 50, but don’t feel or act like it. I love the outdoors and try and spend as much time as possible on the water, in my kayak. Photography is my hobby and passion.  Find out more about Steve on his bio page here at Live Bold.[/author_info] [/author]