Why is saying goodbye to a dear friend so difficult? One year, we adopted an energetic puppy named Rosey. Though she was carefree and happy, she never learned to come, but that didn’t stop us from becoming best friends. Our family, which was gone all day, never took the time to train her; however, we looked forward to her each evening as she greeted us with a smile, jumping like popcorn when we came home.
One gloomy New Year's Eve, as we were carrying our oversized, pokey Christmas tree into the stormy night, Rosey seized the chance for freedom and dashed outside, her ears flapping. I tried in vain to catch up with my puppy, but ignoring my calls, she ran into the road and directly into the path of an oncoming car. I stood in shock, staring at her motionless form lying on the cold pavement. Dad gestured for me to come into the house, and I threw myself onto our oversized couch, crying. When my mom asked what was wrong, I could only blurt out, “Rosey!” between sobs. She then told my brothers about what happened, and we buried Rosey outside.
Call to Action
Life is not a walk in the park. It is not fair. It is not always happy. But that doesn't mean we give up. With God’s help, we push through it. We move forward. We lean on Jesus’ shoulder as we gather the pieces, making life as fulfilling as possible.
Remember to:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’”
Isaiah 41:10
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Unless noted otherwise, scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
