Children and puppies… all God’s creatures. I love being in their presence. They have so much to teach us – but we have to slow down to catch the lessons.

Saturday I took my little dog, Air, to visit a group of children at Liberty Baptist Church where I read my book, From the Pound to the Palace, and Air showed off. He really likes performing and “talking” to the children.

Air now has a blog where your children can visit him and find out what is going on in his life. Please visit him at http://www.fromthepoundtothepalace.blogspot.com/

He doesn’t like signing books, though and the boys and girls picked up on this. He doesn't refuse and misbehave; he just settles down to work and the spark that is so much a part of his pesonality seems to go away. I can relate. That happens to me when I have work to do that I do not like.

Children are great observers of their surroundings. They delighted in my dog’s antics as long as he was happy, but it made them sad when he settled down to “work” and seemed “unhappy” with his chore.

I told them there was a lesson to learn. I asked them if he was complaining about having to work. “Nooooooooo,” they all agreed.

“He doesn’t like signing his book. Look at his eyes. They are sad.”

How precious of that child to look so deep into a little dog’s heart.

While Air signed his books and DVD’s I talked with the children. Finally we all agreed that it is OK to not be happy about everthing in life. Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.

I reminded the boys and girls that obedience is what matters.

“Is Air complaining or is he being obedient?” I asked.

“Obedient,” they all chimed together.

Then in one accord, several children came and sat by Air, petting him and talking to him as he worked, as if to encourage him. They talked to Air and loved on him. In no time my little dog finished his work and ran off to play with the children!

I think children should rule the world!

Then I pointed out to them that his obedience was making them happy. Each child agreed, smiling as he or she proudly walked away with a signed copy of Air’s story.

Lessons from children and puppies - I am not sure I had ever considered that my obedience makes others happy even when I am very discontent doing what I have to do!

What about you? Is it possible that your obedience, even though you dislike performing whatever chore you are called to do, might be a joy giver for others?

Can you give me an example in your own life?