Leadership Thought: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Live, Loss and Grace
I hope the story below will touch you the
way it did me. It was written by Dave Burchette, one of the writers for a daily
e-mail devotional I receive. Even if you are not a dog lover like I am, I think
you will find something that will speak to your heart. The story is taken from
Dave's book, Stay: Lessons My Dods Taught Me about Life, Loss and Grace
Dear
Friends,
A
sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination
room and said, “Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other
side.”
Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t
know.”
“You don’t know? You, a Christian man, do
not know what is on the other side?”
The doctor was holding the handle of the
door; on the other side of which came a sound of scratching and whining, and as
he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager
show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, “Did you notice my
dog? He’s never been in this room before. He didn’t know what was inside. He
knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he
sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but
I do know one thing… I know my Master is there and that is enough.”
(Source unknown)
Charlie,
our Golden Retriever, developed a large benign tumor under his front leg that
made walking difficult. We took him in for what would be a rather serious
surgery at his ripe old canine age of twelve. The vet did a masterful job
in removing the growth and taking care of Charlie. My spiritual epiphany
occurred when we were called to the animal hospital to pick him up. We waited
as they brought Charlie out. He shuffled slowly out and I was taken aback
by his appearance. Charlie was trembling, frightened, and appeared to be in
some pain. His head was down and his perpetual motion tail was strangely still.
He seemed confused and disoriented. Then I walked over to Charlie and simply
touched him. Almost immediately he quit trembling and he made a valiant attempt
to wag his tail. We carefully got him into the car and took Charlie home to
heal.
As I reflected on that scene it struck me
that Charlie’s reaction to my touch and mere presence was a wonderful
illustration of how Jesus comforts (or desires to comfort) me. When I (his
master) touched Charlie he was comforted. His pain was not gone. He was still a
bit disoriented and unsure. Charlie’s circumstances hadn’t really changed at all.
But he knew that his master was there and that made it better. What a picture
that is of how the touch of Jesus enables us to respond when we are frightened,
in pain, disoriented and confused. We need to remind ourselves that Jesus never
promised that all trouble would vanish when we believe in Him. In fact the
opposite often happens. Jesus did promise that He would be there and that would
be enough. My prayer for myself and for you today is that we will seek,
realize, and be comforted by the touch of the Master in times of difficulty.
Paul realized that contentment is not found in good circumstances. He wrote
these words from prison while chained to a Roman soldier.
I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last
you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you
had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need,
for I have learned to be content whatever
the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to
have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in
any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty
or in want. (Philippians 4, The Message)
I
am so grateful that Paul did not write I “am” content and I “know” the secret.
He was divinely inspired to honestly write that he had “learned” to be content
and he had “learned” the secret of being content. It did come naturally or
easily to Paul either. Don’t be discouraged. If you are following Jesus and
desiring the touch of the Master then you are learning as well. Contentment is
learning how to be present
in the present with Jesus. Our nature is to not enjoy the
moment at hand and the blessings that usually surround us. Satan would have us
living in regret of the past and fear of the future. Jesus said to follow Him.
He told us our past is forgiven and our future is in His Hands. Enjoy the
moment. Seek the touch of the Master. And continue “learning” to be content. It
will change your life.
Yours
in faith and friendship,
Tom
No comments:
Post a Comment