Luke 1:47 You are blessed because you believe what God said.

Yesterday we had a bit of a tragedy at our house. As some of you may know, we were blessed with six puppies this spring – We were slowly giving them away and have been receiving lots of fun pictures from families enjoying them. The whole process has been amazing and heart stretching. We grew very attached to the puppies as we spent hours with them every day, and felt so blessed to be able to find good homes for them where they would be loved but also where they could offer companionship and love.

Yesterday we got the final call; our last puppy found a home – minus the one we were keeping. To be honest, we loved them both so much we couldn’t decide which puppy to keep – but one had a run of injuries and an eye issue we were currently tending – so we were going to give away the healthier puppy, our sweet Leeli, so darling and calm – a pure joy, but then last night at about 9 – right after the kids and I came in the house from playing with them- literally moments – Bobby returned home from the church and Leeli ran under the car when he pulled into the garage.

My heart hurt. I watched her breathe her last. I cried. Bobby was so heartbroken and so incredibly sorry. He knew how much we loved them. Life seemed so fragile. I held her. I prayed.. I hurt and satan quietly attacked me with ‘what ifs’…. My oldest child quickly quoted Romans 8:28 – And we know that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose for them. Ahhh – the healing balm of scripture. Satan lost his footing for the time being.

Then I had to make the call about not having the puppy anymore to the friend who had arranged the new home. Now, I did not do this in haste. And we considered giving them the last one – but guilt was my only motivator in that choice and that is not how God leads. But something kept prodding me to call – so I called last night. We live in a broken world. I apologized a hundred times and we even offered to buy a puppy for her. She did not accept this offer and was incredibly understanding.

Last night I prayed that God would heal our hurt and bring glory to His Name through this. I also thanked Him for letting us love and be loved by our ‘Princess Leeli’.

This morning I rose at about 5:45 and had a quiet peace and reassurance and that is what I want to share with you…

We can’t protect ourselves from the brokenness that is ‘seamlessly woven’ into this world – but God can. He overcame this world and I trust that He is good. I love that are animals can live free and run and adventure and swim – Because I love living free and I believe it comes from faith in Our Mighty Creator that we are able to live free regardless of circumstance. I would rather live and not worry about every ‘what if’. There is risk in this way of living … but also great reward. But if we are honest with ourselves, there is risk in EVERYTHING. We can pretend like if we do everything just right and obey this world perfectly – we can save ourselves from death. I believe we just lose life – real and eternal life in trusting our Heavenly Father and Creator. Even when something hurts my heart, I know Him. I wrestled with not being ‘fit’ to raise another puppy – but He said no, it’s not about that. You are not in control – it is Me, if you let me. I overcame this world. Trust me. He verified this with me a couple years ago in an incident with one of my children, and I have held this truth close to my heart since then.

So then why the death? With a good God? Short answer: Because we live in a broken world – but I know He can bring glory from this. I know death in this world is not the end; it is the beginning of something truly great, a coming home to our Creator. Longer answer: I don’t know exactly why and I don’t have to know. I know He is good and I love Him and I believe His promises. “His unfailing love will pursue us all the days of our lives and we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” 

We are blessed because we believe.

Lord thank you for loving us. Glorify Your Name. I know that a puppy doesn’t seem like much to some as children all over the world are being sacrificed and trafficked – but thank you for seeing our hurt no matter the cause and for giving me the ability to love with such intensity all life you put in my path. Amen.