Easily Excitable

I know why the dog’s tail wags. 

I know why he smiles,

Why his whole body shakes with joy.

He doesn’t worry about the pawprints on the floor, 

The nose smudges on the car window. 

An unmade bed, to him, sleeps just fine.

Every ordinary car ride is a new adventure, 

Every trip outside a chance to explore, 

Every turn into the driveway a chance to be home

With his favorite people. 

I know why the dog’s tail wags: 

After a moment’s mess-up, 

He forgets it. 

He doesn’t wallow in shame. 

He moves on, not letting one moment

Define a whole day. 

I know why the dog’s tail wags: 

The squeaky pantry door?

It’s the gateway to the good stuff.

Because hard medicine goes down easy

when wrapped in peanut butter.

Trash in the can? 

It’s just waiting to be turned into confetti- 

Because every day is a day to celebrate. 

I know why the dog’s tail wags: 

The dust and dog hair don’t bother him: 

It’s just his sign that he’s loved 

and brushed 

more than enough. 

The dog’s tail wags because

Running isn’t a chore: 

It’s only the best way to get around. 

Kibble is on the menu (again), 

But that’s all good with him:

Because, after nine months? 

It’s still his favorite. 

I know why the dog’s tail wags: 

He is unburdened with worry, 

Unconcerned with what might happen next. 

Overexcited about the small things, 

Overjoyed to be alive. 

No frustration over the little annoyances, 

And no lost sleep over the big things to come. 

I know why the dog’s tail wags: 

He trusts that all of his needs will be taken care of. 

He trusts his people 

(unequipped as his mom may be)

To know his needs, 

Those big and small. 

And to see that they’re met. 

The dog’s tail wags because he knows

He’s loved. 

And for him? 

That’s more than enough. 

I can see myself in the dog: 

Easily excitable, 

Destructive, 

Chaotic. 

Happy to be here- 

Yet, human as I am-

How easy it is to let the excellence of a day 

Pass me by. 

How often am I distracted by the little things- 

The little annoyances, 

Worries, 

Mess ups and mishaps. 

And yet, You care for me, God, 

And you care for the dog too. 

All creatures look to You 

to give them their food at the proper time.

 When You give it to them, 

they gather it up. 

When You open Your hand, 

they are satisfied with good things. 

Psalm 104:27-28

If you’ve ever seen Boone eat, 

You know

He doesn’t gather much up: 

He dives in and conquers. 

But the point is still the same. 

And if the dog can know this- 

Inherently-

in his bones?

And he’s satisfied with that?

It should be more than enough 

for me too. 

I am loved. 

I am taken care of. 

There is One who sees to my needs, 

Big and small. 

Me, personally? 

Because I know why the dog’s tail wags. 

I could learn a thing or two from the dog.