Choices & Assurance: A lesson from my dog

Melissa Logsdon – March 31, 2026 1 Comment

Most mornings start predictably the same way, with few variations. I have my morning routine to prepare myself for the day ahead and to prepare for my dog’s day as well.

Included in my routine, is a recurring “conversation” with my dog. After Chips eats his breakfast, he has 4 options. Many times he’ll self select without a conversation, but sometimes he comes to me and I then remind him of his options:

1. He can come sit on the blanket next to me while I read my Bible and drink my coffee.
2. He can go outside in his backyard.
3. He can climb up on the couch and look out his window.
4. He can go back to bed and cuddle with Steve.

At this point, Chips will often pick option 4 and go trotting back down the hallway and jump up on the bed and flop down with a thud to snuggle into Steve.

But on one recent morning, he didn’t move to go. I could tell by his body language that he wanted to go back to bed with Steve, but he just stood there. So, I went through all the options again. And again, he signaled that he wanted to go back to bed with Steve. And again, no movement. Sometimes, I have to encourage him that it’s ok for him to go do that and leave me alone. But this particular morning was different. 

Finally, I said I would help him. So, I walked down the hallway with him. He stopped every few feet just to make sure I was following. And then he waited for me to reassure him that the blanket was prepared for him (which it was–as I always make sure when I get out of bed it is ready for his eventual return to snuggle into Steve). 

Once I reassured him that everything was in place for him, he got up in bed and seemed contently snuggled in.

I was finally free to return to my coffee and quiet time!

As I sat back down, I began to ponder this interaction. I actually wasn’t mad or even annoyed by my dog’s need for some companionship on his trek down the hallway that morning, nor his need for reassurance that a place had been prepared for him. I was happy he chose, happy to accompany him, happy to reassure him. I would have even been happy to stay with him for cuddles, except I didn’t want to wake Steve, and I wanted to finish my coffee while it was hot!

This interaction served as a beautiful illustration for me of God’s love for me, God’s care for me, God’s tender kindness toward me, God’s delight in me. 

Specifically, I felt like these 4 lovely reminders emerged:

1. We get options (there’s more than 1 good choice before us each day).
2. We have the freedom to choose, based on our needs and preferences in that particular hour/day/season.
3. God prepares for our journey (just like how each morning I prepare the blankets for Chips).
4. God’s not annoyed by us—but rather, delights in us—when we say we need more reassurance and encouragement on our journey, when we ask for companionship as we walk out our choice.

“YHWH, you are my shepherd— I want nothing more.

You let me lie down in green meadows; you lead me beside restful waters:

you refresh my soul.

You guide me to lush pastures for the sake of your Name.

Even if I’m surrounded by shadows of Death, I fear no danger, for you are with me. 

Your rod and your staff— they give me courage.

You spread a table for me in the presence of my enemies, and you anoint my head with oil— my cup overflows!

Only goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in your house, YHWH, for days without end.” (Psalm 23 TIB)

–Melissa Logsdon, NCF Associate Pastor