Spiritual Lessons from Raising a Puppy
I am one of those guys who never really understood the whole pet love thing. My wife and I had a Chihuahua Terrier during our first year of marriage that terrorized our lives. She scratched through the dry wall of our new house, barked all the time and was a challenge to live with. After 6 months or so, we gave him away to a friend who kept him until his untimely death. Sad I know.
But on December 21, 2010, my life changed forever when we were able to bring home Nala Tabor, our new toy poodle. She was so small, less than 2 pounds and she was so scared. She had no idea where she was going and no idea what she was doing. She was leaving three brothers and sisters to come home with strangers. Soon she realized that we were it from there on and she adapted quickly.
Less than three days later, I took her to Abilene, Texas to meet my parents and then to Plano, Texas to meet my wife’s parents. The next thing I knew she was part of the family. Both grandparents were in love with her. My God sister couldn’t put her down and I realized that I could spend money on her without even knowing it. Every time I went to store, I was thinking, “She would look cute in that shirt” or “She would love this toy.” Before I knew it we spent hundreds of dollars providing what was needed and we loved every minute of it.
Spiritual Lesson Number 1: God will provide for us.
Nala never worries about food, clothing or shelter. She just assumes it is going to be there because my wife and I as parents have proven that we will do this on a consistent basis. The same is true for us. Matthew 6 teaches us not to worry about what we will eat, drink or wear because our heavenly father knows what we need. God has proven that he is able to take care of his creation. Throughout the years he has provided manna and water in the desert, he turned two fish and five loaves of bread into a buffet large enough to feed 5,000 men plus women and children. When you think back over your life, hasn’t God provided what you’ve needed? So I encourage you to trust him today and allow him to be your heavenly father who provides then brag to your friends about how great of a spiritual father you have. God loves it when we tell others about how great he is. Live as one who is provided for today.
Corey Tabor 