It's a question I have been asked numerous times over the past few months: 'How's your dog?'
In October, I shared through this blog the news that our dog Chara was diagnosed with a life-threating form of cancer. Our veterinarian had told us if we did nothing she would be gone by Christmas. Being just three years-old, it was devastating to think about losing her as such a young age, so we opted to try chemotherapy treatments.
Much like we has humans, the side-effects of the chemotherapy were hard on her but the treatments did shrink the cancerous cells in her lymph nodes and as the New Year rolled around she began to regain her energy. Just recently we had her back to veterinarian and we are happy to report there are no signs of the cancer; that it has not returned quickly is a good sign. We live with the realization it could / probably will return at some point, but for now we're just enjoying having her around!
In our family room, Janice has a plague that reads: Enjoy the little things in life for some day you will realize they were the big things. These days we are enjoying the presence of our furry friend; the wagging tail that greets me every time I come home, the warm, wet nose on my hand that tells me 'it's time to get up' and the simple delight of having her come lay beside me as I sit outside or watch the Bruins or Jays game. In all of this, we see the blessing of God.
The Bible says, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11) We worship and serve a God who delights in blessing His children.
I know as you do, that sharing in the blessings of God does not exclude us from the effects of living in a fallen world; sometimes the journey is difficult. But through all the ups and downs of life the faithful and loving-kindness of our God is constant. We ought to take great comfort and joy in knowing that we are always on His mind and close to His heart. He will meet us on the mountain top and share in our joy and He will met us in the Valley and walk with us through the darkness; therefore we do not need to be afraid. In God I trust and am not afraid. (Psalm 56:11)
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, but we know the One who holds all our tomorrows. So, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34) Instead, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (all that you need) will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Enjoy the little things--a walk together with one you love, perhaps with your four-legged friend alongside! Enjoy time spend with family and friends, quiet times alone with your thoughts or with out Lord. Enjoy the beauty of the created world around us, a majestic sunset or the gentle breeze. Enjoy the little things in life for someday you will realize they were the big things.
Much like we has humans, the side-effects of the chemotherapy were hard on her but the treatments did shrink the cancerous cells in her lymph nodes and as the New Year rolled around she began to regain her energy. Just recently we had her back to veterinarian and we are happy to report there are no signs of the cancer; that it has not returned quickly is a good sign. We live with the realization it could / probably will return at some point, but for now we're just enjoying having her around!
In our family room, Janice has a plague that reads: Enjoy the little things in life for some day you will realize they were the big things. These days we are enjoying the presence of our furry friend; the wagging tail that greets me every time I come home, the warm, wet nose on my hand that tells me 'it's time to get up' and the simple delight of having her come lay beside me as I sit outside or watch the Bruins or Jays game. In all of this, we see the blessing of God.
The Bible says, Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. (Psalm 34:10) How much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:11) We worship and serve a God who delights in blessing His children.
I know as you do, that sharing in the blessings of God does not exclude us from the effects of living in a fallen world; sometimes the journey is difficult. But through all the ups and downs of life the faithful and loving-kindness of our God is constant. We ought to take great comfort and joy in knowing that we are always on His mind and close to His heart. He will meet us on the mountain top and share in our joy and He will met us in the Valley and walk with us through the darkness; therefore we do not need to be afraid. In God I trust and am not afraid. (Psalm 56:11)
None of us knows what tomorrow will bring, but we know the One who holds all our tomorrows. So, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matthew 6:34) Instead, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things (all that you need) will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Enjoy the little things--a walk together with one you love, perhaps with your four-legged friend alongside! Enjoy time spend with family and friends, quiet times alone with your thoughts or with out Lord. Enjoy the beauty of the created world around us, a majestic sunset or the gentle breeze. Enjoy the little things in life for someday you will realize they were the big things.
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