Be Sensible
Read UM Hymnal #454
People use the term ”dumb animals” a lot. Sometimes I think it's misinterpreted to mean unintelligent, when it probably refers to the alternate idea of non-speaking. But speaking isn't the only form of communication and, perhaps, not always the best one.
Our dog, Jax, sometimes seems smarter than we are. He innately knows that he can play “tug of war” with a toy with us, but as soon as one of the grandchildren wants his toy, he just drops it at their feet. He “speaks,” though not with words, but with sounds like a warning bark, a whine when he's being left, or a yelp of joy when he is playing. Moreover, he uses his other senses to a higher level.
He can find the tiniest crumb of food using his nose. He gives affection by touching us with his paw or the petting his soft coat; sometimes, he just sits and leans against us. He sees that pesky squirrel taunting him high up in a tree. And, most importantly I think, he listens. He can differentiate our feelings just by the tone of our voices.
Listening is one of the most important skills we have, but often we don't use it enough or properly. As Christians, we need to be aware of all the senses God has so graciously given us and try to use them. Often just seeing someone in need of a kind touch or listening carefully with your heart to a person's concerns can make a big difference. Then, with God's help, we should be able to find the right words.
Sue DeWitt
Read UM Hymnal #454
People use the term ”dumb animals” a lot. Sometimes I think it's misinterpreted to mean unintelligent, when it probably refers to the alternate idea of non-speaking. But speaking isn't the only form of communication and, perhaps, not always the best one.
Our dog, Jax, sometimes seems smarter than we are. He innately knows that he can play “tug of war” with a toy with us, but as soon as one of the grandchildren wants his toy, he just drops it at their feet. He “speaks,” though not with words, but with sounds like a warning bark, a whine when he's being left, or a yelp of joy when he is playing. Moreover, he uses his other senses to a higher level.
He can find the tiniest crumb of food using his nose. He gives affection by touching us with his paw or the petting his soft coat; sometimes, he just sits and leans against us. He sees that pesky squirrel taunting him high up in a tree. And, most importantly I think, he listens. He can differentiate our feelings just by the tone of our voices.
Listening is one of the most important skills we have, but often we don't use it enough or properly. As Christians, we need to be aware of all the senses God has so graciously given us and try to use them. Often just seeing someone in need of a kind touch or listening carefully with your heart to a person's concerns can make a big difference. Then, with God's help, we should be able to find the right words.
Sue DeWitt
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