New Chapter

I was out walking recently when I came across my neighbor, Carl. Carl was taking a walk with his two new King Charles spaniel puppies. It was incredible because I am not sure who was walking whom but there they were! As Carl and I chatted, he said something very profound.

Carl told me that his previous dogs had died and that God only gives us dogs for a season. On average, the life expectancy rate in the United States is 78 years but unfortunately our best friend dogs do not live that long. Carl said that when our friends depart from this world it is just time to get a new dog. He was so excited about his two new dogs that he just had to share those encouraging words with me.

Many of you know that my best friends, Winston and Alexander, have been gone for about two years. It has been incredibly lonely without my old boys. I wonder if it is too personal for me to ask you what breed of dog you think a river rat like me should get. If you have some ideas, I would sure like to hear them. A dog is a tremendous blessing and I would love to have that in my life.

We have an assurance in Psalm 126:5-6:

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.”

Grief can seem unbearable, suffocating and overwhelming. Our tears shed during times of sorrow are similar to tiny seeds that are planted in a field. God sees them and is so very gracious to take those seeds and nourish them until they sprout fourth an abundant harvest of joy.

Category: Prayer