We all follow something, and whoever or whatever we follow either enriches our lives with positivity or diminishes them with negativity. The same applies to our pets. They learn from us, and often their behavior is based on their experiences when they are with us. So when I read an article about why dogs stare at their owners, it made perfect sense why Ella’s behavior “on leash” was so unpredictable. The article revealed that when your dog stares at you, they are reading your body language and your facial expressions to figure out what is happening next. They also can tell when we are angry or upset and can mirror our moods.

My body language and facial expressions exuded fear and anxiety during our walks, especially when I came in proximity to other dogs. My body would tense, and I could feel myself breathing heavily as I tried to figure out how to get away from the so-called “threat”. Ella could feel the tension as I tugged on her leash, and our pace would quicken. Unknowingly, I was sending her a message that we were not safe anymore. I created an environment that fostered fear and anxiety, and she reacted to what I taught her.

Thankfully, I learned these very important lessons early in Ella’s life. I wish I could take the credit for my breakthrough, but I can’t. Our trainer played a crucial role in guiding me and Ella. With her coaching, I changed my behavior so Ella wouldn’t notice any negative cues that I might give off. Today, Ella is obedient to my commands. She no longer reacts to other dogs while leashed, and I am now a confident dog walker. As my husband often says, “Ella is the greatest dog in the world.”

It would have been amazing if I had a “trainer” like Ella’s when I was young and impressionable. She was patient and compassionate. She guided, never judged and was full of wisdom. Can you imagine having someone like that in your life every single day? Instead, television, books, and magazines educated me on so many topics. It was during those tough years that I was looking for love, security, and a sense of peace in my chaotic life. I learned that if I wanted to feel secure, all I needed to do was increase my bank account. The more money I saved, the more secure I would be. I also learned that love came with conditions. If I acted in a certain way and worked at becoming a lovable person, I would find love. And I could experience peace if I practiced deep breathing, mindfulness and self-discovery. My efforts to find love, peace and security on my own didn’t go so well. 

“What are you looking for?” Jesus asked this simple yet profound question of two of his disciples, as recorded in the Gospel of John 1:37. These five words reflect our innermost desires and longing. I realized I needed to answer not only the question of what I was seeking, but also where I was seeking it. Thankfully, Jesus was patient and never stopped pursuing me. He placed the right people—my sister and a dear friend—in my path at the right time. They guided me to the truth of the gospel.

Here’s what they helped me find:

I was searching for peace, and I found it in Jesus, who is the “Prince of Peace”; Isiah 9:6-7

I was searching for truth, and I found it in Jesus, who says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”; John 12:6-7.

I was searching for love, and I found it in Jesus, who said, “Greater love has no one than this; to lay down one’s life for one’s friend. John 15:13.

I was searching for security, and I have eternal security in heaven when I trusted Jesus and made Him my Lord and my Savior; Ephesians 4:30.

This Christmas, who can you help find Jesus? He’s not the baby in a manger anymore. He’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His kingdom has come with power, and that power is available to all who repent, believe and follow Him. 

Merry Christmas!

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