What Coco Taught Me About Love

July 27, 2026 / Christine Maynor / Leave a comment

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My sweet and adorable dog, Coco!

My Daily Musings-July 27th, 2026

I was pondering today on how I can be more Christlike. My thoughts instantly went to little children and dogs – they are very Christlike. But since I don’t have any children, I’ll tell you what I learn from my dog, Coco.

She is a very sweet and adorable dog. She thinks it is her duty to meet every person on this earth and be friends with them. When we are in the car with her, she whimpers when she sees a person walking by because she wants to meet them and brighten their day. I want to be more like Coco and be kind to everyone I see, even if I don’t know them.

A sweet lick or cuddle from Coco brightens my life every single day. I think our Heavenly Father created dogs to teach us how to love unconditionally like He loves us. Our Heavenly Father does love us each very much. No matter what we do, He will continue loving us.

Maybe another lesson we are supposed to learn from dogs is that we don’t have to speak the same language to show someone love. Dogs don’t speak to us through words, but they show such great love and kindness toward others.

What is something you have learned about Christlike love from an animal, a child, or someone in your life?

What is one small way you can show more kindness and unconditional love to those around you this week?

When Presence Matters More Than Answers

May 22, 2026 / Christine Maynor / 1 Comment

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My Daily Musings-May 22nd, 2026

Sometimes the greatest comfort we can offer someone is not advice, but simply our presence. I was reminded of this today while talking with a friend who shares some of the same health struggles that I do. There is something meaningful about being understood by someone who has walked a similar road. Even when they cannot fix our problems, their willingness to listen can make us feel less alone.

Later, I saw a post from a friend whose son passed away from cancer years ago. Yesterday would have been his high school graduation. The school placed an empty chair beside the graduates with his cap, gown, and diploma resting there to honor him. My heart ached for her. I realized again that in moments of deep sorrow, people often do not need quick answers or perfectly worded advice. Sometimes there are no answers that can immediately heal the pain.

What people often need most is a listening ear and a compassionate heart. Instead of saying, “I know exactly how you feel,” maybe it is better to say, “I cannot imagine how hard this must be, but I am here to listen.” How often do we try to fix pain when what someone really needs is simply to feel heard? How much healing can come just from knowing someone cares enough to stay and listen?

Jesus showed us this kind of love during His ministry. He listened to people. He wept with them. He allowed them to express their grief and fears. His compassion was not rushed or dismissive. He showed that sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do is simply be there for one another.

The Invisible Weight We Carry

April 14, 2026 / Christine Maynor / 2 Comments

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My Daily Musings-April 14th, 2026

Sometimes people say, “You look great—you don’t look sick at all,” and I’ve learned to smile and say thank you. The truth is, much of what I carry isn’t visible. The fatigue, the pain, the quiet battles happening inside my body… they don’t always show on the outside.

And maybe that’s true for more than just physical illness.

How many people around us are carrying heavy things we can’t see? How often do we pass by someone who looks perfectly fine, while their heart is fighting a quiet battle?

I’ve started to realize that if we could see inside each other—really see the weight people carry—we might be surprised that we’re all still standing, still showing up, still trying.

Maybe that’s a gentle reminder to be a little more patient, a little more compassionate.

Because everyone you see is stronger than they look.

What might change if we treated each person as if they were carrying something heavy? How might it soften the way we speak, the way we listen, the way we love?