My dogs love to gambol in the woods and in the field, always on the lookout for something interesting.

Our walk is the highlight of their doggy day.

But no matter how happy the dogs are to go roving with me, we rarely take a walk without Zephyr, the youngest, rolling in something unspeakable. She has a talent for finding the foulest spoor and coating herself with it.

Our walks often end with Zephyr getting a much-needed bath. As I shampoo her, massaging odor-canceling suds into whatever travesty is coating her fur, the other dogs will lurk on the periphery, afraid to get too close lest I bathe them too.

Every time I bathe Zephyr, she acts repentant. But I know as soon as we go for a walk again, she will need another bath.

All too often, my walk with God mirrors Zephyr’s walks with me. I look forward to spending time with my Lord. But then I go my own way and end up covered in this world’s filth. Today’s verse is a constant reminder that no matter what others may think — no matter how badly I stink — God promises to cleanse me. I am not His pet; I am His child. He will restore me.

All I need to do is allow Him to.