“Dogs are how people would be if the important stuff is all that mattered to us.” – Ashly Lorenzana

“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.” – W.R. Purche

Every once in a while and for no reason other than it crossed my mind, Max and I will sit down and organize a selfie. Or, to be more accurate, I will try for one and Max will try to avoid it.

The result, typically, is a series of snapshots not unlike those photo-booth portraits from a bygone era.

So Thursday afternoon, after taking a stroll in the unreasonable heat that caused me to pull out my summer hat, we plonked down in the shade outside the side door to try our luck.

Max Retriever has a way of helping to put some of the pains and stresses of this world in their proper place, things that can keep us awake at night with anxiety that literally hurts, burrowing into the pit of the stomach and making it hard to breathe.

Sure, prayer is effective, and knowing the care and providence of The Maker is a blessing beyond compare, but God does some of his best work – at times – through the golden retriever, and I am beyond grateful for Max.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

May we all know more of God’s peace – DEREK