August 1

“Joseph could stand it no longer. There were many people in the room, and he said to his attendants, ‘Out, all of you!’ So he was alone with his brothers when he told them who he was. Then he broke down and wept. He wept so loudly the Egyptians could hear him, and word of it quickly carried to Pharaoh’s palace. ‘I am Joseph!’ he said to his brothers. ‘Is my father still alive?’ But his brothers were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in front of them. ‘Please, come closer,’ he said to them. So they came closer. And he said again, ‘I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in Egypt. But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.'”  Genesis 45:1-5  NLT

As Famous matured from puppy to adult dog he had to learn patience. Gone are the days when one whimper gave him access to the outside. Gone are the days when I could not open a can of dog food fast enough. Gone are the days when he was constantly by my side.

As the years went by he had to learn to wait for me to return home, to finish chores, and to finish studying, before he could go for a walk, relieve himself, be fed, or just be in my company. And although I do believe a dog’s awareness is rooted in the present moment, because I have seen him “remember”where to go, what he saw previously, and whether a nice or a combative cat resides at each house, I believe he knows if I am gone longer than usual. I suppose I give him no choice as to how long he has to wait, but there is always joy for both of us when the waiting is over.

It took years for God’s plan to save the family of Joseph to come to light. Only in hindsight could the many twists and turns of events begin to make sense. Finally, God’s will was accomplished by the hallmark of his intervention: celebration and fellowship.

When the path ahead is not clear, when isolation seems burdensome, when celebration has been long overdue, remember God intends nothing less than redemption and reunion for you.

Father, I pray for patience and trust in Your plans.