A few weeks ago, we had someone in her mid 20s keep our dog Trooper for a couple of days, while we were at a conference. She had advertised on her profile on the dog-sitter site that she was young, energetic, responsible, and would give all dogs lots of attention, exercise, outdoor time, fun, and even training. So I contacted her, and we quickly developed good rapport, especially since we both found out we’re both Jesus-followers.

We knew our sweet furry family member would be in good hands, and she did a great job with him, sending fun and adorable pictures of him and them together. Afterwards, we left a 5-star review for her with very positive feedback.

Meanwhile, she had also given positive feedback, which made me smile when I saw it: “Trooper may be a little older, but he still has a young spirit! I loved watching him, he’s super smart and such a lover. His goofiness and loving nature was everything ❤️”

My first thought when I saw this– “He’s not that old—he’s only 6 and ½! Oh well, guess that’s around 45 in people years, but still, that’s middle-aged, not old.” But from her perspective as a young person, I realized that equivalent of mid-40s would seem old.

My second thought—“Hey, that sounds like ME! A bit older, but still have a young spirit, affectionate, gifted with intelligence by the Lord, and yeah, can get goofy sometimes!” Funny thing how people choose dogs that not only look like them but even have the same personality! I’d often said that if I were a dog, I’d be a golden retriever

People, like dogs, have different personalities and come in all shapes and sizes. But, unlike dogs, people tend to be a lot choosier about who they hang around with. Not only do they choose their pets according to size, shape, temperament, appearance, color, age, etc., they choose their friends according to those same standards and more!

Dogs, however, don’t ask people to meet all those standards before they associate with us. As soon as we give them attention, they’re happy to see and be with us. And if we also provide food and shelter, all the better.

Dogs reflect the Lord’s own heart that way, except He doesn’t even need food or shelter! As soon as we turn to Him, desire His company, and want to spend time with Him, He’s glad to see and be with us. Not that He’s pining away, depressed and lonely until we come to Him, but He puts no conditions on hanging out with Him.

Conversely, He, as our Master/Father, loves us unconditionally and delights in our affection, using the gifts He’s given us, learning from Him, and even enjoys our goofiness around Him! It means we’re enjoying and totally comfortable with Him. It’s the way a child, secure in their daddy’s love, can enjoy and return his affection, and be uninhibited about bringing their whole selves into the relationship, silliness and all.

“The LORD your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.” Zeph. 3:17

Here’s a wonderful result of spending time with our Abba, Father, Master of the Universe— when we do, He gives us young spirits! We don’t even have to be golden retrievers, playful puppy-like dogs, or people with naturally childlike (hopefully not childish) personality qualities. We have these promises:

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in (wait on) the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Is. 40:29-31

Time with Him, hanging out with Him, depending on Him vs. our own strength and methods, all connect us to His renewing power, like recharging our “batteries” to make us full of vigor again.

“The Lord is my Shepherd…He restores my soul…” Ps. 23:1,3

His nearness and care restores our deepest, most inward parts, mind, body, and heart, making us better than “factory refurbished” in terms of like-new quality.

“I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…” Joel 2:25

Anything bad that’s happened, any trauma that’s wreaked destruction on our souls and spirits, will become as if it never happened, the slate wiped clean, and everything made right again. In other words, a “young spirit” restored.

Let’s be thankful for dogs that remind us of the kind of young spirits we can have when we stick close to the Lord—that’s not just barking up the wrong tree!