Theology According To Oreo
Every morning and evening I take a walk with my two dogs. Bailey is a young and yappy York Terrier mix, and Oreo the patronly 14-year-old Border Collie. We have a carefully crafted route across adjacent properties and fields which avoids the traffic in this busy part of town, and allows my good friends to roam without much worry of danger. They know the route by heart, and I usually just tag along. There is a bus stop at the edge of the church property next to my home.
This time, as we travelled across the lot, Oreo noticed a Korean gentleman who was sitting on the bank awaiting his ride. I've seen him before, and we have exchanged waves and smiles. But, this time Oreo decided it was time to meet. He's an old dog, and once he gets his mind set, there is just no way to sway him. And he thinks everybody will like him; everyone will instantly want to pet him and be his friend. So he walked up to this stranger, put his head down, and demanded a pat. He got it, and lots more also.
I ran over to make sure the man was not bothered, and it became obvious he enjoyed his newfound friend and his kindly licks. I spoke a few words of apology and explanation. The man nodded and smiled. And then I realized he did not speak English. His skin color was different from mine, as was his culture, and language. But Oreo didn't care. For weeks I have allowed a distance to remain between us, but now my dog has bridged the gap. Can you believe that? My dog has taught me something valuable about loving my neighbor.
Tomorrow morning we will take our walk once more. Oreo will be looking for his newfound friend. Like I said, he's an old dog and pretty set in his ways. But I have learned you can teach an old dog new tricks. I learned one.
"For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility." - Eph 2:14 (HCSB)
