First we were loved, now we love.—1 John 4:19 (MSG)

Although I snuggled in my prayer chair with my Bible, my heart was distant. After reading my daily goal, I snapped my Bible closed and was thinking about my exciting day. At noon, I would take Willow, my German shepherd puppy, to the trainer for another lesson in nose work. I’d always wanted a dog that would be able to track and find things. 

As I drove down the driveway at the trainer’s, Willow enthusiastically barked. She barely stayed in a heel while we walked into the indoor horse arena for our lesson. But after Tonya hid Willow’s toy and I asked the pup to find it, she poked around hither and yon. Then she found it. After the third try of the pokey puppy dawdling around the barn, I looked at Tonya and said, “I don’t understand. At home she finds it.” 

Tonya nodded wisely. “If you watch Willow, she’s really not interested. She’s only going through the motions to please you. Her heart’s not in it.” 

I was crushed. My dream wouldn’t happen with this pup. Then I gulped when I thought of my morning. I’d done the same thing during my Bible study. I had merely gone through the motions, checking it off my list. Willow was a dog and there wasn’t much I could do if she wasn’t interested. But I could choose to engage my heart with God during my quiet time. 

Lord, help me to see how much You desire to fellowship with me. Help me to cultivate that same longing inside my heart every day. Amen.