We parked the car out in the field across from Grapevine Mills Mall. I remember saying, “Let’s just stop and look” with no intention of bringing a new puppy home. We already had our hands full with a black lab puppy and to add to the puppy frenzy at home was unthinkable.
A half hour later we were driving home with a golden retriever sprawled across my chest as Jess drove because I just couldn’t put the ball of fluff down.
When Jess asked what we should name her I blurted out “Honey”, even surprising myself at how the name seemed to instantly fit this dog (and would match her temperament for 11 years).
Last Wednesday we carried Honey to our vehicle for the last time on the way to the vet where we learned we’d have to put her down because of the cancer that had progressed rapidly over several days.
We weren’t ready to say goodbye to our faithful friend. However, we knew this was the only route to keep her from any further pain. This change wasn’t our choosing, but it had to happen.
For me, imagining our home without the constant presence of that sweet dog holding down the floor hurt to think about. It still does. But if we would have allowed that feeling to dominate, it wouldn’t have helped our dog and it sure wouldn’t have helped us.
Is God moving you before you’re ready?
Maybe you’ve lost a loved one, lost a job or just feel like you’re losing your mind in the situation that you’re in. If God is calling you to take a step and trust him in the midst of the change, remember you can count on Him to be there for you.
Scripture reminds us:
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” – Isaiah 43:2
“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name.” – Psalm 91:14
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” – Romans 11:29
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
I was out in our backyard after we returned from taking our daughter and our 12-year-old lab out trick-or-treating the other night. It was a clear night and I couldn’t help noticing the clarity of the stars. My mind drifted to how much I enjoyed scratching the top of Honey’s head as we both enjoyed the cooler weather. I was missing her again.
A star streaked across the sky and reminded me again how much God knows what we need in the right moment.
The star flamed out in gold.
