Lesson 11: Eat Some Chocolate

In Toby's early years he had developed a very big love for chocolate... well for carbs really.   Anything sweet or bread was fair game for him.   And once again living up to his nickname MacGyver, there was no safe place on the counter or island that could keep Toby from his love of chocolate.   He once ate an entire large pan of fudge brownies.   He was sick for several days,  but the 10 minutes of chocolate bliss must have been well worth it because many more years were filled with multiple attempts (many successful) to fill his tummy with delicious treats.

We knew that things had changed for Toby when we realized that he no longer went on those secret raids for goodies.  In a sense his joy was diminished because he could no longer partake in the fun in his life.

The lesson here is to always find a little chocolate in your life.  Literally speaking,  even the healthiest of people need a little comfort food from time to time.  We humans have a natural need for it no matter how hard we try to fight it.

Symbolically speaking, our lives are chaotic, busy and often times in need of some "chocolate" joy to complete the equation; to keep things balanced. It provides an outlet or stress reliever that our bodies or minds need.

My sweet indulgence is, well chocolate unfortunately,  but also music.  It gives me a way to escape for a short time.  I can certainly tell when I haven't had an opportunity to play or write music.  I start to feel frustrated or restless.  Thankfully my wife keeps the house stocked with treats to fill in!

What is your "chocolate?"

Psalm 34:8 ESV

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

Lesson 7: Look Others In The Eye

Toby had these big brown eyes that could really pull the heartstrings.  No matter whether he wanted something or wanted to show concern, he would always look straight into a person's eyes, which made it really difficult to say no or stay mad at him.  I could always tell when he wanted to get my attention to communicate with me.  He would look at me, if I didn't notice, he would scoot in closer and look at me again. 

There is something really genuine about looking someone in the eyes when talking to them.  It shows respect,  honesty and commitment to the conversation.   I have to be honest,  since using a smart phone I have been horrible at this important aspect of communication.  I see a lot of people making that same mistake.   It's time to get back to basic communication: face to face with true conversation without interruption from technology.

Use those big brown eyes, "baby blues", or any other color of eye crafted by our Creator to truly commit to communicating with friends, family and co-workers. You never know what good will come from the conversation...it worked for Toby.

Psalm 19:14 ESV

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Lesson 15: Enjoy The Arts Daily

This is the last lesson from Toby and it comes on the day that our son and I left our camp site and went to the National Music Museum on the campus of the University of South Dakota in Vermillion before coming home.

Our son is a cellist and has wanted to visit so we thought this was a great opportunity while we were close to it from our camp site.

One of my favorite memories of Toby was when our son would go to his room to practice he would close the door.   When Toby heard that door close he would literally sprint to the bedroom so he could listen to our son play.   He would hear Toby coming and open the door to let him in.   It was almost comical because soon after this routine started,  our son would just close the door and wait for Toby before he would sit down to begin practicing.   I truly think that Toby was there not only because he loved to be where our son was but also because he loved to hear him play his cello. 

Toby would lay in the room for hours while our son played.  It must have been soothing for him.

No matter what you feel about music or any form of the arts,  try to listen to music, read poetry or experience visual art daily.  

Regarding music, even explore outside of main stream music and find something not as popular.  There is so much great music out there that isn't recognized by the majority.  Music has such an incredible way of connecting with the heart and emotions and has played such an important part in shaping who I am.

Even on his last night with us, Toby mustered up all his strength to take one last journey to hear the sound of the cello.  It was that important to him.  Be like Toby and always stop what you're doing to listen to the music (or any other art form).  If you haven't, watch the movie August Rush.  It truly brings to light the importance of music in our lives.

Psalm 150:4 ESV

Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!

Thanks for all the lessons Toby.  You've been a blessing far beyond the wonderfully fulfilling 12 years with us.  I hope this short blog has paid adequate tribute to your legacy.   We'll be seeing you.

Lesson 4: Take Many Walks

One of our regrets with Toby is that we didn't take near enough walks with him.   He loved to be outside but only if we were out with him.

When we did go for walks or even runs with Toby,  he was so happy.   Good conversation happened with my wife or kids when we went on our short excursions with Toby.   We were not only able to get a little bit of exercise and conversion,  but we were able to take in the experiences of the world.  I love nature but I seem to forget it quickly.  And of course Toby was able to get in some much needed tree-sniffing time. 

So my advice for anyone is to take more walks.  If you are not physically able to,  find a  wa to get mobile and go outside.  Get a view of your world, and even your walking partner, that may be different than what's possible in other settings.  On our last walk with Toby he didn't make it very far.   He tried to keep going but I finally had to carry him back home.  He was still glad to get out a bit. 

Take the time,  it's important.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Lesson 3: Be a Cuddler

Toby was a faithful companion.  He always wanted to be where we were and loved to cuddle with us in bed.

Even though he was a mid-sized dog,  he often tried to hop on our laps as though he was a lap dog.  I think he needed the touch and companionship as much as we did.

There is so much power in a hug, hand shake, or a gentle touch.  I sometimes wish society could go back in time to the days when hugs were more welcome and given more freely without the worry about being misunderstood.  It's too bad there have been so many hugs that have ruined lives with hurt and pain.  

Hugs are so important to family, friends and sometimes even to strangers.  Let's find ways to offer a caring touch without sending the wrong signals.  And more importantly, let's find ways to become more open to receiving a hug or a warm handshake. God blessed us with the gift of loving touch.  If you haven't hugged your child, parent, spouse, partner, friend or other loved one today, please do so.

I think of the healing powers that Jesus' touch had.   We may not cure disease with our touch but we could heal a broken heart. 

Dogs are amazing companions that we often take for granted.   They are a God-given friend.  We should live more like them. 

Mark 5:24-29

New International Version (NIV)

²⁴ So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. ²⁵ And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. ²⁷ When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, ²⁸ because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.

 

Lesson 13: Be Yourself and Be Proud

Toby came from some pretty good lineage I'd say.  He had a beautiful stance and he walked very proudly.  Though he was a purebred he had his quirks.  He wasn't the smartest tool in the shed despite his crafty ability to get out of sticky situations or get sticky treats out of hard-to-reach locations.   And above that,  his bladder got a bit too excited to see people like he himself did.

Despite these qualities he always stood tall and didn't let these things bother him.  He always acted like he respected himself and was proud of who he was.   By nature,  this is difficult to do for many of us.  We tend to be humble and may have low self-esteem.

Like who you are...no LOVE who you are.    God made you this way.  You are a gift and your uniqueness is what makes you special.   Some say that I'm a bit odd; that my ideas are strange.   Well, I'm secure enough to say "Yes!  I am kinda strange but I know that God loves me anyway."  My ideas may not take the road most travelled,  but they have purpose and may be really good if someone gives me a chance

If you don't live who you are, make a list of 10 good qualities about yourself.  Don't stop until you have the list of 10 complete.   Read the Bible or ask someone to help you find verses that encourage your self esteem.  Surround yourself with positive people.  You are who you hangout with most.

Get a Toby in your life. Dogs do wonders for one's attitude.  Know that you are blessed.  You are special.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Lesson 14: Explore

I had to laugh at this one.   I actually listed these lessons long ago and then wrote about them as the day came.  Our son and I are camping as I write this and will be exploring some hiking trails today.

Like us and probably any dog, Toby also loved to explore.  It's amazing how their noses take them in little adventures every day isn't it? 

We need to explore,  we need a little adventure in our lives.  I'm not saying we all need to be adrenaline junkies and jump out of planes or something (go for it if you want... not me! ), but find something that is out of the norm.  Explore new possibilities for a job;  just to dream a little if nothing else.   Get those creative juices flowing to create some variety in your life.   Take a class on something you've always wanted to learn.

God wants us to be happy and to have an exciting life.  He didn't promise an easy one,  but he wants us to be happy so he blessed us with opportunities to explore and minds to create new ones.  Don't let these trails be wasted!

James 1:1-27 ESV

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.