Let’s Shine With The Border Collies-Really! … Hello Weekend readers. This title may wonder what you think I’m doing, but hang on, there is a lot about it! For Al and I, dogs have been in our lives almost forever! The joy we get from them is a precious gift from God. We both often are musing on the many dogs we have had and we miss them, but we know they’ll be in heaven waiting for us. I hope you enjoy this story of a couple that we just love…if you’re feel down and out, they have remedy that can gift you back your joy and smiles…here goes:

We have a couple who come to the campground a LOT! They’re only 30 miles away but they love fishing, our dark skies and of course—the beautiful Abiquiu Lake. They are also people who love Border Collies. They have two of them and another one that is half Border Collie and half-black Labrador. Our Black Labra-Dane—Moose, loves to play with these dogs. They run and run until they are pooped-out!

Everyone in the campground loves those dogs too because they are sweet, funny and they love people. They tell me this: “Their Border collies running through a field of grass is the most perfect and beautiful example of a creature fulfilling its destiny!” They also say “People think we’re crazy when we say this, but honestly, it is pure beauty to see them and the joy they have. Cyndy, let me tell you this: there are too many people who have lost their joy and that’s sad. When you look at my dogs and see their funny jowls, and the leaps and bounds, it gives you joy. We remember when you told us about what a dog is: “Spell dog backwards and you realize God’s creation who has given us our dogs!” We have always remembered that and we both share it with others all the time. They probably think we’re nuts!”

These folks have learned the joy of life, not only with their Border Collies but the gift God has given them. Next year they are going to start a rescue program at their home for the Border Collie breed—as soon as he retires from his job as a college professor from the University of New Mexico. He has two years before retirement, but he and his wife are already building their crates and forming a “run” for them through his big backyard!

The Apostle Paul has something to say about joy, beautiful, and God’s incredible creation: “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise and have joy, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.” -Philippians 4:8-9 from the Message Bible

Think about those Border Collies and other dogs, too. What would happen if we could see ourselves in a similar light of happiness and joy? Whether it’s first thing in the morning, looking at ourselves in the mirror, on our bicycles, or just walking around the block (maybe with your dog), feeling the sun and wind on our skin and the whisp in our hair. Like the Border Collies, we too are just as we were made to be!

In closing, take time to consider your own beauty, what it means, and where it came from. Consider the times where you’ve lost your joy—God can always restore it so ask him! In fact, consider how God wants you to shine with joy and then reach out to others who are struggling and need a smile and some joy and maybe even a Border Collie? AMEN!