The Present

So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (Matthew 6:24)

He sits by the patio door and watches for hours. Nothing can deter him. If you call for him to come to you, he comes but then quickly returns to his post. He watches for anything that moves... a chipmunk, a squirrel. All day, every day, Cooper has a job, watching and living in the present.

The amazing thing is that he seems to not care at all about what happened in the past. He really has very little baggage. We don't know much about his past as he is a rescue dog, but he does have signs indicating that at one point he suffered physical abuse and neglect. We know that when the rescue organization brought him in, he was so matted that they have to shave his fur nearly down to the skin. But in living with him we see very little evidence that he carries his past with him at all.

There is no paw wringing about what might be in the future. He doesn't wonder about where he will sleep or his next meal. He seems perfectly content, right where he is. Cooper is a goofy, happy, joyful dog who lives in the moment, who lives in the present. He doesn't miss much in his attentiveness to present day living.

Being with him is good for the soul!

...grace and peace...