On Saturday we did something that we always considered frivolous and sometimes secretly judged others for doing.  We spent money on a puppy. With one exception every dog we ever owned was either from the animal shelter, was given to us, or was a stray.  But something came over us.  We recently had our 49^th wedding anniversary which made us consider how to celebrate our upcoming 50^th next year.  We initially thought of making a cross-country trip to visit those we love all across the country.  But then reality set in.  Our old bones simply can’t endure week after week of driving.  It was a let-down.  We had envisioned ourselves sitting face to face with so many people we love, remembering years gone by and catching up on their lives.  Sigh.  Our quiet house seemed especially empty.  That’s when dear Husband decided to look seriously for a dog.  The idea of a non-shedding dog was particularly enticing.  But if we wanted that, we would have to look for particular breeds, which would mean actually having to pay for a dog and it would likely mean buying a puppy.  Whoa!  Things we hadn’t planned on doing.  Long story short, we are now the happy owners of a sweet-natured Goldendoodledoo.  He’s 3/4 poodle and 1/4 golden retriever.  He hasn’t made us lose any sleep and he’s doing well at potty training.  He motivates us to go outside.  He brings life to our household.  And he attracts family, friends, and neighbors.  Our guilt at spending money is being washed away by his content, happy puppy personality.

However, as life always goes, the highs have been mixed with the lows.  I can’t help but think that the Lord knows we needed him as we deal with the continuing health issues of our dear friend and a close relative.  Their battles weigh heavily on our hearts.  We can easily let their pain drag us down into deep sadness.  On top of that, a close-to-our-hearts disappointment and loss has reshaped an important part of our lives.  But we’re learning to pray instead of replay their hurts and ours.  And a little, soft fur ball lifts our hearts to gratitude.  

This all pointed out to me once again how our lives are made up of sunshine and shadow.  We get to enjoy the sunshine where we have rest and peace and renewal for the path ahead.  God knows the right paths for us, gives us the strength to walk them, and keeps us on the right path with his guidance and discipline.  Yet we can’t avoid the shadow. But we don’t have to fear it because our kind Shepherd is close beside us protecting and comforting us.  He provides abundantly for us even in the face of opposition.  He soothes us and gives us blessings over and over.  His goodness and love continually accompany us throughout our lives.  And the end of this earthly life won’t stop us from being with him.  For then we will join him in his abode forever.

“The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

Even when I walk
through the darkest valley, (can be translated the dark valley of death)
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.

You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.”  Psalm 23

There will always be both sunshine and shadow.  We enjoy the green meadows and peaceful streams, but we also experience the dark valleys.  We relish the feast but enemies are right there.  We can’t expect that we won’t ever have the dark and the hard.  But the good news is that our shepherd never leaves us.  He is close beside us.  He is protecting, comforting, guiding, and providing overflowing blessings right in the middle of the hard.  His unfailing love and goodness never leave us even beyond this life.

So my conclusions are:

Savor each minute of sunshine.  Consciously soak in each delight no matter how small.  Soft puppy fur, clean sheets, the smell of a nutritious meal cooking, a hug, a phone call, trees dancing in the wind.  And while you’re enjoying them, send up a whisper of thanks to the One who gave it.

Don’t dread the shadows.  God’s kind and gentle presence will be especially precious in the shadows.  He won’t leave us unprotected or without comfort.  (Even it comes in the form of a puppy!)