“Toby” is a means of grace.
Arriving the week of Christmas
Eve  [2006] at the age of 10
weeks, this border collie mix
(so loaded with energy… and
the gift of chewing!) is teaching
me all sorts of things about life
and myself… and our Faith.
(Pollard UMC Parish Newsletter,
1-28-07)

Hard to believe he’s is 5 now!  Truly, Toby (one of my best friends/companions in life) remains a means of Grace in my life.  Contemplatively speaking, he’s a window on God and God’s Grace in my life!

Do you seek an “Authentic Dance with God, Self, Neighbor and World” as I do?  Then, in my opinion, we’re going to have to cultivate/nurture the art of contemplation: of seeing the Divine and lessons of the Divine all around!  For truly,

Earth’s crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God:
But only he who sees, takes off his shoes,
The rest sit round it, and pluck blackberries,
And daub their natural faces unaware
More and more, from the first similitude.
(Elizabeth Barrett Browning)

(It’s a shame Browning never met Toby.  He would, I am convinced, have inspired a much better piece of poetry!)

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