I am walking through the loss of my cherished dog, Tracker. I realize with each loss in life the losses don’t get easier; they get tougher. That’s because the preciousness of every second of life is not as often lost on me as it once was. I know that God will cause this to “work together for good” (Rom 8:28). I believe the redemptions He has planned for me, for you, are bigger than we can even dream. But I am still adjusting.
Without Tracker to take me on my walk, I see that I pick up the slack in my evening routine by spending more time checking on the birds in the feeder—pine warblers mostly—and on the lone lizard who has camped out on my front porch for almost two years now. How wonderful the fullness of life is. It used to be, with the kids still at home and a house full of pets and all my ambition of getting everyone and everything to some finish line in the future, I unknowingly skimmed over the smaller parts of daily life, and overlooked the precious joys they contained.
Earlier, I was walking in from said routine and had this conversation with God:
“Pine warblers and a lizard. How little my world has become.”
God checked me: “You mean, how big it has become.”
Yes, I do mean that.
I hope this encourages you to appreciate the breadth of life today and for all the days to come.
Kevin Murray
© 2024 All rights reserved
AMEN — the older I get, the more I appreciate the little things. As you said, probably because they point to the bigger purposes of a loving Father. Thanks for the reminder. I am sorry for your loss. Pets are wonderful until they have outlived us, and it is so sad to let them go. But, I have no doubt that Tracker knew he was loved and appreciated for the loyalty he gave to you and your family. He accomplished God’s purposes for him in this life, and you allowed him to do that with you. Well done.
I appreciate the thoughts and sentiments Rob, truly.