My sweet dog Kipper never fails to greet me with kiss, EVERYDAY . Within seconds of seeing me, I am covered in wet kisses. She shares her JOY freely without hesitation or conditions.

Why isn’t this true for me with all people? I know for me I’m guilty of holding on to past disappointments, rude interactions, and sad memories.

Blame it on the human brain storing memories whereas Kipper’s brain starts with a clean slate every day.

She doesn’t hold a grudge if I’m late, feeding her dinner, or maybe skipping a morning walk.

Sometimes I know I have felt justified for holding on to the extra baggage of past interactions, after all THEY hurt me. THEY were “not nice.”

But today I FELT differently. Maybe I was at fault too. Today I thought WHAT IF, I could store the baggage away and start fresh? I could wait for THEM to change or pray THEY change. But maybe the change needs to begin with me.

Heck, if Jesus could kiss Judas and greet him by calling him friend, why can’t I ?

I know I can’t do this on my own so YES, I am asking God to help me love like Jesus… or at least let me love like Kipper. Slobber and all.

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” Philippians 3:14