Ecclesiastes 9:7 – Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. (NIV 2011)

Shortly after seven o'clock each morning, I take our dogs for a walk. One day this past weekend, one of my sisters, who was staying the weekend, joined me. That was fun for all of us: she and I enjoyed watching our animals, and they enjoyed having an extra human along. Our dogs are always pretty happy, and all the more so in the morning when they come out of their crates and enjoy their freedom. The weather here has been very hot in recent weeks, which our dogs don't like too much, but this past weekend, the mornings were crisp and cool, just the way they love it.

Think of that morning from the dogs' perspective: another human being to play with, another morning to enjoy, beautiful cool weather … As my sister and I watched them, we both remarked how happy they were — even more so than usual! They just seemed happy to be alive!

I'm often struck by the lessons animals teach us, and that morning, the lesson was clear: to rejoice — to be happy and joyful, full of joy — at the sheer wonder of being alive. To revel in our freedom. To feel the cool air on our skin. To rejoice in the company of those around us. Everything that morning — literally everything — was a source of joy and happiness: amazing gifts we all receive from our amazing Creator!

1 Peter 1:8-9 – Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (NIV 2011)

Let us be thankful and joyful for all that is in our lives. As we feel that joy, let us allow that joy to reflect and magnify the joy that we have for life in Christ.

Prayer: Loving God, help us always to be joyful and thankful for all that You are, for all that You have given us, and for all that You do in our lives. In Jesus' holy and precious name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Scott Williams <svw59@outlook.com>
Madoc, Ontario, Canada
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