Lessons from a basset hound

For those who know me and know me well, they know I like my fish and my dogs. I love my little basset hound Champ. Champ is a chunky little white and brown guy who just lays around all day. He doesn't do a whole lot and doesn't demand a whole lot.
Well, yesterday morning I was experiencing computer problems, I spent the majority of my time before work fixing our MSN and a few other things, and then working on my blog. So, when 7:50 came along I was out the door running because I still had one stop to make before work.
Well, I rushed out to work, ran to football practice out a Pedro and went about my day. Then it dawned on me. I had forgotten to feed Champ. I had fed the fish when I first got up, dumped food in Delilah's bowl and then ran off. So, I snuck away from the office just long enough to come home and feed him. Luckily, I keep his water dish over filled so he had plenty of water, but no food. With guilt on my mind and heart I walked around the side of the house to find a dog waiting to play, jumping up and down and excited to see me. He had already forgiven me for not feeding him, and I know he was hungry without a doubt. He played with me for a few minutes and then started eating and didn't stop until he had licked his bowl clean.
So let me ask you. Can you forgive like that?
Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Champ forgave me the second I showed up, before I had even gotten food out of his bag for him. He had forgiven me automatically. What a shame a dumb, sad looking Bassett hound is teaching me about true forgiveness.
It's exactly the same with God. He forgives the very second we ask for forgiveness and turn away from our sin. But we on the other hand like to carry little grudges, or forgive with stipulations, or maybe think sometimes someone has wronged us until there is no forgiveness necessary. So take a lesson from Champ, let's forgive people compassionately until it becomes automatic for us. Because, I know when I mess up I want to be forgiven.
Thanks for reading and have a wonderful day!