(another installment in the Yorkie Brigade Chapel Series)
Welcome, everyone.
Before we start today, let's say a prayer for our dogthren and birdthren ...ok, and cathren, too....who are in the path of Hurricane Irene and who are in danger of losing their homes, their belongings, and for those who are afraid because they've never seen anything quite like this storm before. We ask that God hold their paws and talons and grant them peace and serenity so that they may get through this storm.
(a moment's silence)
Amen
Now...today we talk about the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!". (My sister used to say it as "Do unto others before they do it to you" when she was really little and we still laugh about that). But seriously.....we want to treat other people they way we would like to be treated.
In the Bible, in Luke 6:27-36, it says:
[27] "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. [30] Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. [31] Do to others as you would have them do to you.
[32] "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. [33] And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. [35] But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. [36] Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
If you are invited to the dog park for a play date, it's ok to feel a little shy. But instead of thinking about how shy you are, concentrate on making the other pups feel welcome. I guarantee you that if you focus on showing the others a good time by sharing your ball or your frisbee or your treats, you will forget about yourself in no time at all. You will be having such a great time helping the other pups you'll stop thinking about how shy you are.
We teach our puppies that they must learn first to follow before they can be good leaders. Humans learn that they have to start at the bottom and learn their business before they can advance and be promoted. We show others how we expect to be treated in this world by example, and treating them the way we would like to be treated ourselves.
This week, let's all practice giving without expecting anything in return. I think you'll be unexpectedly surprised at all you will receive instead.
Now, let's turn to our neighbors and wag/fluff with all we've got to show our love and friendship. Cats who are currently shedding are excused today, and may simply lift a paw instead.
On your way out, please stop by the Kindergarten Puppies' table. They've been very busy dying cashews for their latest art project. We all love cashews (unsalted, of course) and we assure you that despite the bright colors, they are totally edible and safe. Spring water available from the garden hose if you get thirsty. The Ladies of the Leather Collar and the Knights of Pawlumbus should be back next week.
Blessings....and Nuts to You!
Mary-Margaret O'Brien
Lt. Chaplain - Yorkie Brigade Chapel
"Yorkie prayers are Angel's wishes!"
"Pups for PPL"
"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue." Anonymous
No comments:
Post a Comment