Our Monday devotional this week has been prepared by Kim Garrison, Program Director.
Scripture: Romans 15:13
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Reflection
I’ve always had pets in my life. As a child there were dogs, cats and a guinea pig. I had a dachshund named Mitzi growing up that was my little baby. My pets have always been a part of the family. My husband Doug also had dogs growing up. We were so excited when we purchased our home because that meant we could get a dog! During our 22 years of marriage we’ve had two golden retrievers, a beagle, black lab, cockapoo a rabbit and a cat.
We lost our black lab, Potter, in the last year. Doug had always wanted a black lab and we found that the Capital Humane Society had a litter. We went in just to “look”. Of course we fell in love and brought him home. Potter was one of the happiest dogs we’ve ever owned. No matter what was going on, his tail was wagging. He loved going to Minnesota and swimming at the cabin. He made us laugh so much with his antics. He could also make us so frustrated with his naughty side. We learned we had to put something heavy on our trash can or else we would find its contents on the floor or in our bed. We tried to have a garden in our back yard but would find Potter at the sliding glass door with a tomato or pepper in his mouth. He was so enamored with the yorkie next door that he dug a hole and bent our chain link fence so she could come over and play with him!
After nine years with Potter, we found out he had cancer. My family was shocked because as I said before, Potter was always happy. Even through the surgery, recovery and eventual decline, his tail was always wagging.
What a wonderful lesson he taught us. That even with the pain, fear, and uncertainty he was feeling, he could find joy and give joy.
Prayer
Dear Lord, you have given us so much but when we are blinded fear, frustration or anxiety, we can sometimes forget. As the pandemic continues, and we are uncertain of what our future holds, help us to feel your love and find the joy in our lives as well as give joy to those around us.
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