FAITHFUL LIVING: What shapes your personality shapes others
Published 1:00 pm Saturday, May 29, 2004
His name is Jacob and I learned of both his existence, and my husband’s plan to welcome him into our family, the day I stood in a phone booth located a few paces away from Pope John Paul II’s summer home in Italy. On that particular summer day my mom and I were traveling in Europe together, stealing away from family obligations and normal routines to explore sites we had only dreamed of seeing. When I reflect on that adventure I step back into a much simpler season of my life. There had been no Sept. 11 attacks to polarize our nation and contribute to heightened travel worries. My children were not driving cars or readying themselves to leave home. My husband and dad had sensed our need to do some exploring and took vacation time to supervise the kids so Mom and I could take the trip of a lifetime. What a gift!
Italian security issues on that sunny day in Italy quickly became apparent to me as I stood in that phone booth, listening to my husband’s plan to have a breeder fly a golden retriever puppy up from California. While I learned of his plans to train this puppy to retrieve waterfowl, I watched a man dressed in fatigues and carrying an automatic weapon pace in front of the entrance to the Pope’s home. Some distance away other security personnel with their own automatic weapons eyed me and the scores of other tourists for anything suspicious.
All this stood in dramatic contrast to the vision I had of picking up an 8-week-old golden retriever puppy from an airline terminal at SeaTac. I knew what would happen: Strangers would hurry over to the kennel to gaze at the contents. They would rub their hands together in anticipation and encourage my husband to reach inside for the puppy, so they could cup their own hands over his tiny forehead and stroke his deliciously soft, curved head. They would lean close to take in his puppy breath and comment on his brown, soulful eyes.
And I was right. It all happened days later as I stood in the Sistine Chapel where various Popes had stood during their reigns. My treat was to travel and my husband’s was to bring home a puppy. And what a gift both experiences have been to us both.
During the last few weeks we have been talking about the unique ways God gives each one of us SHAPE. This acronym serves to remind us of the components that make each of us unique. “S” stands for the spiritual gifts God gives us. “H” stands for heart, reminding us to pay attention to those things in life that make our hearts beat with intensity and passion. “A” stands for abilities and we are encouraged to understand and put to positive use our abilities — to serve God and those around us.
This week let’s look at “P” which stands for personality. Jacob the golden retriever immediately comes to mind because he and so many other golden retrievers have such predictable personalities: they are soulful and serene and contribute immeasurably to the notion that steady companionship is a true gift.
Every day I enjoy Jacob’s personality, for he is so wonderfully predictable. He will greet me and my family with a wave of his tail and draw us into a gaze that connects us with the notion that consistency and loyalty are noble — and needed in daily doses! His choice to lie by our feet and trot close by our sides when we take walks around the neighborhood reminds me that being close to those you love and engaging in simple activities can make life all the more worth living.
And just like people, Jacob the golden retriever has some unique aspects to his personality that have surprised us, redefining both his place in our family and his role as a pet. Jacob, as it turns out, is terrified of the sound of shotguns, putting to rest any plans my husband had of procuring the ultimate hunting dog. He is, however, great at retrieving guests who venture onto our property. If he senses that you like him, Jacob will gently grab your wrist and guide you to our front door. He will hop into your car and accompany you to any destination. He will warm your feet and listen intently as you share your troubles as well as your triumphs.
While Jacob is somewhat predictable as a golden retriever, he is also unique — just like you. And just as his personality has affected our family and served us in countless soothing ways, God has gifted you with unique style. Consider this week what it is that makes you feel satisfied and how actively engaging your personality provides you with fulfillment, pride, and accomplishment.
Freelance writer Joan Bay Klope’s e-mail address is jbklope@hotmail.com
