Lessons learnt from the passing of our family pet

 “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” - Josh Billings

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our family Labrador last week. Bella was 15 years old and had certainly lived a long and good life. In her earlier years she was such an energetic and busy dog, getting up to the usual dog-mischief when she was allowed. She watched all our boys grow up and loved to play with them when they were able to spend time with her. She travelled with us, as we moved 3 times, and was a constant presence in our lives.

As we get used to the emptiness that Bella's death has left in our home, I am struck by a few things that I hope we cherish forever. 

1. She was incredibly loyal - pets are such loyal friends to humans (certainly more than we are).

2. She was forgiving - you can be cross with your pet for a moment, but very soon, they come back to you as if nothing has happened.

3. She was happy almost all the time - the constant wag of the tail told us that she was content with her lot in life. A little food, shelter and love, was all she needed.

4. She loved company - Labrador's love to be around people and she used to lie down or sit wherever she knew someone would have to walk over her or around her :)

5. She was friendly to 99% of people - her capacity to accept people was truly overwhelming. If she didn't get along with someone, it was usually an indication that something was 'up' with the human and not her. 

We will miss her but are grateful for all the years we got to enjoy life with her. To all of you who have ever lost a pet, I am sure you understand. God bless. 

“Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in.” - Mark Twain

“I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.” - Abraham Lincoln

Living in Grace

D3LM3

P.S. - The photo is from the internet 

Turning in Circles

 

Have you noticed how dogs turn around in a circle before they lie down? Sometimes they do this more than once and it is interesting to watch. There are a number of different opinions as to why they do this, but the one that made the once sense appeared in this article - In essence it suggested that this behaviour in dogs has been passed down from generation to generation and the purpose of the 'spinning' is to flatten out their beds before they lie down. It makes sense, I guess, as dogs used to sleep outside on the grass/fields and they wanted to make their 'beds' more comfortable before they went to sleep.

So here is my take on this action and how it could speak some truth into our lives.

We may be tempted to make our 'beds' (lives) more and more comfortable, but we can never eliminate all bumps and stones from our paths. The most important action of our lives that involves some 'turning' is that of repenting - we should focus on turning from the things that hinder our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Acts 20:21 - I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.

Take Home Thought: The Christian Life is not always comfortable and this should not be our highest aim in following Jesus. 

Living in Grace
D3LM3