New Dog
Well, the Aleridge family has taken the plunge and we have gotten a Shih Tzu puppy. The children named her Chloe Marie. Her breed name “Shih Tzu” means “Lion Dog” (in Chinese) because this kind of dog was bred to resemble “the lion as depicted in traditional oriental art such as the Chinese guardian lion. I don’t know how much she actually resembles a lion but so far, she has been a 4.5 pound barrel of fun, especially for the James Scott and Lindsey. As a family, we waited a long time for a pet, as we wanted both our children to be responsible in the care of the family pet. After a couple of years of begging and pleading Beth and I finally agreed with the condition that both of them would share the responsibility of feeding and cleaning up after the dog. Before we even got her, they had named her.
One of the great things about children (and pets) is that they often help us to stay fresh, alert, humbled and needed. For me, this realization teaches me that my family is a team, a gift from God that I get to be part of in life. I’ll admit, sometimes I do get weary of “dad…dad…dad…dad…!” Still, an incident occurred with Chloe the other night that reminded me of how thankful I am for life’s special blessings.
When we arrived home from an outing with James Scott, Lindsey and their cousins, we could not find Chloe (the puppy). She was not in her kennel and the door of the kennel was opened. We called out her name several times and no response. Then, questions emerged. Did we shut the house door? Did someone enter our house and take her? And, of course, the thought that ran through my mind as a parent was, “has she eaten or bitten into something that may have caused an early departure from this earth?”
After searching for about 10 -12 minutes (which seemed like hours), we located her upstairs with her head stuck in the banister rails. Luckily, she was fine. But, this did not keep Lindsey from crying and holding her, or from James Scott admitting he may have not shut the cage properly. It was a powerful learning moment for my children and for me. Moreover, it was a thankful moment for that little dog. It has only been two weeks and Chloe has become a part of our family.
This event reminded me of a parable found in Luke 15:20-24:
20 So he got up and went to his father.
“While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him.
21 Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting 24 because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.”
HE WAS LOST AND IS FOUND!
How much our family celebrated finding Chloe and how much more God celebrates his love for us!
It is my privilege to be your Pastor. Have a safe July 4!
Scott
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