“That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.”  II Corinthians 4:16  NLT

Famous recently turned eight years old which in springer years makes him forty-eight. Unlike a human child who can never “catch up” with his parents, dogs will normally live out their entire lives in front of their human companions. It is wondrous how quickly before our eyes they pass from puppy to adolescence and into adulthood and senior adulthood. Famous is quickly catching up with me, and I am learning to be kinder knowing his knees and shoulders are beginning to ache a little like mine. We both tire more easily and enjoy more daytime naps together. One day soon, he will be my senior, and he will need even more understanding and attention.

From the first day I met him I knew one day he would leave me. As sad as this may sound, what it has done is made me aware of every choice I make in each day. Will both of us benefit from the decision, or will one of us suffer? And even more than this, it has helped me to value all of my relationships and to understand we only have this moment with anyone we love. So even though Famous and I move a little closer to our separation, our bond is renewed and strengthened each and every day.

This is like our hope in Christ which does not grow weary like our earthly bodies. But instead, it is nourished and developed by the Holy Spirit. And in the case of our union with God, it will not end in separation, but in eternal victory.

Christ, it is my earnest plea for You to give me wisdom and vision into all of my relationships today.