July 27

“But Jesus replied, ‘Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.'”  Luke 9:58  NLT

Growing up in the sixties I remember our family pet had a “house” set at the back of the yard. This was Ginger’s doghouse, and it is where she had shelter from rain and snow. In the summer, my father would have her sheared to help her in the summer heat. She received no other grooming throughout the year. In the winter time, we lined the little house with straw to help her retain what little heat she could. I do not remember ever bringing her indoors even during the worst of weather.

Famous has a comparitively evolved existence as my house is his house. He can sleep wherever he likes in our temperature controlled abode. He gets brushed daily. And for those particularly cold winter nights he has his own doggie blanket to wear while resting in his memory foam bed near the fireplace. Tough life!

I loved Ginger, but this was the accepted practice in owning pets. Dog food could be bought on grocery store shelves, but there were no specialty pet stores with designer foods, hoodies, or a wide assortment of toys. She was there to be with us when we played outside. My few memories of her consist of feeding her, listening to her bark at box turtles, watching her give birth to a couple of litters which were all given away, and being told that she was suffering in her old age and needed to be put down. I remember she once snapped at a neighborhood child who had somehow disturbed her, but otherwise she retained the title of “best dog ever.”

Christ had no place to rest his head in part because his work had not yet been accomplished and because his heavenly home awaited him. Whether we live in luxury or on skid row, this is not our permanent residence. We are at fault if we do not believe there is a heaven, but we are also in error if we live our lives as if we will never die or be accountable for our sins. Our bodies require rest, but our souls can never rest until we have completed all that God has set before us to accomplish.

Father, forgive me when I selfishly seek rest from Your will. Help me to remember You will supply all of my needs.