She wasn’t supposed to be mine.
When we adopted Sally in 2012 from an animal shelter, we hoped she would be a great pal for our children. She was all that and more, but early on it became apparent to everyone that Sally was my dog.
She picked me. When we would come home as a family, Sally would run to me first. When I got up to leave the room she would follow me, even in later years when her legs were getting slower. She lived to serve me, and she longed to be in my presence – especially when she was trembling at the thunderstorm she heard outside. Without realizing it she was modelling for me how to live the Christian life.
The psalmist wrote, “You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fulness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
Do I crave my time with God? Do I long to be in His presence? Do I follow Him wherever He leads, staying close to Him for protection? Do I live every moment to serve Him? That is the kind of Christian I would like to be.
Recently our family said good-bye to this loyal friend who guarded us faithfully and loved us unconditionally for 12 years. I feel like I have lost my shadow, but I have gained an important life lesson.I want to live all out for Jesus. I want to follow my Master with the same love and devotion that Sally had in following hers.
Pastor Kent Babbey
Blenheim Baptist Church