“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.” – Thomas Merton

What I have found so fascinating about owning a dog is how much love they have to give, no questions asked.

Everyone we meet along our path is viewed through a lens of love and unconditional friendship.

We don’t stop to filter them for connections or common ground. As a result, I have learned how to engage in conversation with people I never would’ve otherwise. Anyone who stops for pets and chats with Finn is a new friend. Any age, race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, political affiliation…we don’t care. We connect with a myriad of people and receive so much kindness and so many smiles. Which, for this introvert, is not a small deal.

Presence without a screening process, I have come to discover, is a form of Love. Big L. A lesson I’m so very grateful to have learned.