Do you have anyone in your life who seems to love you more than life itself? Someone who would do anything for you, looks at you with nothing but adoration, and makes you feel like you are their whole world?

I’d love to say that person is my wife or my kids, but let's be honest — somehow I occasionally find ways to annoy my wife. And as for my kids, well, there are times they think their dad is a giant dork.

However, I’m very fortunate to have something in my life that truly feels this way about me. That something is named Wally, and he’s an English Cream Golden Retriever.

Wally’s Unconditional Love

In Wally’s eyes, I can do no wrong. When I come home, he’s always ecstatic to see me. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been gone for ten minutes, ten hours, or even ten days—he greets me like I’m the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

Wally always wants to be around me. When he’s tired, he sleeps by my feet. He’s up for playing at any moment, always ready to have fun with “dad.” And if I ever get mad at him, he forgives me right away. All it takes is a treat, and he’ll do just about anything for me.

In a lot of ways, I am his world.

A Lesson in Loving the Lord

This got me thinking one day: Why can’t I be more like Wally when it comes to loving the Lord?

Wally looks at me as if I can do no wrong. He sees me as perfect and believes I’m his whole world. Who else does that sound like? The Lord! God loves us with a perfect, unconditional love and wants us to join Him in heaven, where we will be made perfect.

When I come home from work, Wally greets me with excitement and joy, showing me his love. And just like Wally is always there to welcome me home, God is always there, waiting to greet us and show His love. Why don’t I make it a priority to open my Bible every morning—or at least every day—to welcome the Lord into my life? Why don’t I take more time out of my day to pray and connect with the Lord?

Wally always wants to be around me. He’s constantly by my side, and that’s a reflection of how God wants to be with us at all times. So why do I sometimes struggle to welcome the Lord into my life in the same way?

If I get upset or frustrated with Wally, he always forgives me. He never holds grudges, and his love is unconditional. Similarly, the Lord forgives us for our sins. He even sent His son to die for us so we can join Him in heaven! Why can’t I love God in return the way He loves me?

Wally will do just about anything for a treat. And we, as believers, are promised the ultimate treat: eternal life in heaven! Why don’t I do more to show my love for God and help spread His Word so others can join us in that eternal reward?

God Loves Us Like Wally Loves Me

I am Wally’s world, and in the same way, God loves each of us like we are the only person in the world. That’s pretty incredible to think about. Even though there are billions of people on this planet, God’s love for each of us is as if we are His one and only child.

Striving to Be More Like Wally—and Jesus

Wally may just be a dog, but to me he is a great example of an earthly creature that teaches us to be like Jesus- love unconditionally, forgive others, be excited to walk in His presence, and look forward to our heavenly treats waiting for us. 

The next time Wally is staring up at me with those big brown eyes and giving me the most adoring and loving look possible, I need to remember that when it comes to loving God, sometimes, being more like Wally might not be such a bad thing.