It's usually one of two things. One: Feed me, or two: I need to go outside. That's the standard protocol when our golden retriever, Louie, barks at us. And make no mistake, "feed me" is the default setting. If we are eating, he asks for his share. If we are cooking, he wants to lick the bowl. If we come home with groceries, he knows there are treats (without exception). If we are talking about a restaurant, he is grabbing his coat and waiting in the car. With that dog, something is either going in or coming out or resting in between. But this time, it was different.
He had eaten for the 10th time that evening and been out on a few walks. We were sitting in the living room, winding down. Half watching a show, talking about the day, enjoying some hot tea before the minimum required respectable hour to go to bed, and Louie would just not stop getting in our face and barking. I would rub his face, he would stop. I would stop, and he would start. We did this little dance a few times and realized he just wanted our attention and was going to be annoying until he got it.
"I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (Psalm 116:1-2)
Most of the time, when people around you are barking incessantly, it's because they just need a little attention. Perhaps they feel ignored and out of the loop, have something to share but nobody to share it with, or have been speaking and nobody seems to be listening. It doesn't make them right or wrong, just human. The longer this goes on, the louder they become until they either give up (which is the worst case scenario) or you stop and pay attention.
If you are a leader, parent, spouse (or a dog owner), you know this to be true. It's usually not the thing they are barking about that's important, but you making them feel heard.
I love the wording in this Psalm. God bends down to listen, so I trust him and keep praying. Are you bending down to listen to your teammates? Your customers? Your children? Your spouse? Do they trust you in such a way that they choose to keep communicating with you? Do you hear their voice or just when they bark?
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my needs. Because he bends down to listen, I keep talking. I trust Him. Do people say that about you?
P.S. How do you ignore this old guy?
