The window next to my desk has been my portal to numerous interesting and special events over the years. The regular parade of caretakers walking canines—or is it the other way around?—is one of the more enjoyable. For example…

“Doc” and “Greta” [not their real names] are two frequent, friendly four-legged passersby.

Greta, a medium size short haired black rescue, is young, excitable, full of energy, and on a leash. She’s a handful, yet it’s hard not to grin as she pokes her nose into this and that shrub or clump of grass. Hopefully, her curiosity won’t get her into too much trouble. She dashes along, a tug and pull on the restraint to keep her headed in the direction of home. Her expressive face seems full of questions. What’s this? What’s that? Who are you?

Doc, on the other hand, is a senior. A golden retriever with a luxurious coat and light gray hair around his nose and eyes, it’s obvious he’s been around for a while. No need for a leash on this one. He meanders along, stops, sniffs, rests a minute, then continues. It’s as if his sole purpose is to show us humans the folly of speed. Go easy, he seems to say. Savor the moment. Enjoy the world around you.

Their owner, an older woman whose smile and greeting are a pleasant addition to any day, sets her pace to Greta’s. She knows Doc will be only a few paces behind.

As with God in all things, I can’t help but notice the relevance of these two canine creations to my daily human life.

As a young ‘pup’, I kept God busy. Speed, curiosity, and being on the constant go was my mantra. Burn the candle at both ends. Hopefully, keep some of the middle for later in life. In retrospect, were it not for the Divine and his gentle touch apart from my awareness, I shudder to think where I’d be today. Or not.

Now, as the years have unfolded, I relate a lot more to Doc. Slow and steady. A nap here and there. A light nudge from God is all it takes most of the time to keep me on the path. No need for a leash. Can’t run that fast and I’ve learned that poking your nose in where it doesn’t belong will likely only result in trouble.

The other thing that appeals to me as I observe this carefree threesome on their daily adventure is the way they get along so well. Although totally different breeds, certainly years of difference in age, they behave as if they’ve been together forever.

As the happy family disappear beyond the trees, makes me think they are a great example of the peace and joy we could all experience if we paid less attention to what we think makes us different and focus more on what we have in common.