Puppy Love

Horses are not the only animal in abundance at our home.  We also raise Labradors. We presently have four females that at any given time may be expecting, nursing or recovering. A typical litter can range from eight to twelve puppies. That is a lot of dogs!  These puppies are both a blessing and a chore to my children. They love to play with them and show them off to their friends. However, the mess the puppies leave behind is not a sweet smelling job to clean up.

Each litter always produces a “favorite.” This puppy is usually the most eager to play yet also loves to be cuddled and wagged around. Puppy love typically last two weeks and then the puppy is forgotten as it goes to its new home.     

While this may seem heartless and cruel, it is part of being in the dog business. Thankfully my children have no problem with the arrangement. It is just part of how we do life.

Today a “favorite” is leaving. As I sat thinking about his departure and the temporary peace it would bring before the next litter, I began to ponder the fickle nature of Americans.    

As a new “something” comes on the market, we fall in love and excitedly make our purchase. But it doesn't take very long before a new “something” steals the spotlight and our attention. We are forever jumping from one new thing to another. We are breeding discontentment. The ramifications of this lifestyle may not completely rear their ugly heads in our lifetime but our children and grandchildren will feel the effect of our fickle and flighty decisions.

How do we teach commitment and contentment while frivolously disregarding the old and idolizing the new? Do we set an example of being content in all circumstances or do we exhibit an attitude of entitlement? How do we teach our children to rest in God’s provision while we are chasing the latest new gadget?

Puppy love, here today and gone tomorrow, is not the legacy I want to leave for my children. This means evaluating purchases and choices in a whole new light. This is certain to be uncomfortable and unpopular and yet it promises to be God honoring and ultimately a blessing without measure.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
1 Timothy 6:6

When your Child is Sick

That dreaded call from the school nurse. “She’s sick.” “He fell.” “We aren't sure what happened, but…” Of course we rush to the school, wondering just how bad it really is, secretly hoping our darling child is just trying to get out of class.

When our child hurts, we hurt. Their tears are like spikes falling on our hearts. We want them fixed, no pain, and back to normal. Price isn't considered, time has stopped so that isn't a concern. Our only priority is seeing our child well.

I have several friends living out this nightmare right now. Ambulance rides, hospital stays, doctors with names and specialties we could never pronounce, and most important, a miserable, hurting child.

As mothers we would gladly take their place, but that option has not been given. So we wait, we comfort, we pray. And then we repeat and do it all over again. As many times as needed and then a few more times just to be safe.

Details pour in via text throughout the day from my friends. I feel helpless and I ache for them. As I continually go to my Father’s throne of grace I am reminded that He to is a parent. He understands. He hurts with us. He let his only son come to earth knowing he would be physically brutalized.  His son begged him to find another way, yet the crucifixion happen.

What does this say about our God? Didn't he love his son? Why would he let him go through that?

The answer to those questions is both humbling and overwhelming.

He loves us that much.

I can not begin to imagine loving anyone enough to allow my child to go through what Jesus went through. God’s love is beyond our understanding yet it is the very place where we learn to both love and receive love.

My prayer today for me and my friends, let us grasp just a piece of how deeply and completely God loves us.

John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son.”

May these words fall fresh and new on our ears and hearts today.

The Point of Spurs

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on to love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24

My back door opens and closes repeatedly throughout the day.. It does not take a genius to identify the intruder. Brady’s enters silently, bare feet making no noise on the concrete floor. Brooke also, typically bare foot still makes her presence known by the constant chatter streaming from her lips. The jingle marks Troy, My Cowboy’s entrance, his spurs rattling on his boots. Unlike dime store cowboys, his spurs are not a worthless accessory meant to impress.  Spurs fill a very specific role in My Cowboy’s day.

When used correctly a spur assists in guiding and training a horse. The size of the spur and sharpness varies as needed. My Cowboy, a professional trainer chooses the spur according to the response of the horse. A “dead sided” horse requires “rock grinding” spurs, very large and pointed. However, a more docile horse may require little to no spur.

If the rider incorrectly uses spurs, he may find himself in the dust with several aching pains. Horses are flight animals and will run and buck to disengage abusive treatment. Thus, cowboys engage spurs carefully and in just the right place with just the right amount of pressure.

We as Christians can learn much from the spur wearing Cowboy. Spurring each other on to love and good works also requires knowing the other person and the correct amount of pressure and choosing the proper time and place. Ignoring these simple guides can result in unnecessary pain and a mouthful of dust.

Words spoken in love fall gently on the ears allowing correction to be both beneficial and effective. Anger, judgement and self righteous attitudes have no place in in the spurring process.

For a horse to reach full potential and be an asset to the cowboy, spurs, correctly used are a must. Maturity in the Christian walk, which ultimately brings glory to our Lord, also requires the use of spurring words.

May we be a love filled spur and may we graciously respond to the spur as needed.