Reese’s Mission

Smiling faces make you happy, and good news makes you feel better.

HAVING LIVED WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS as a teenager and young adult, Lauren was more closely acquainted with bad news than she cared to be. In fact, there had been seasons of her life when it felt like bad news was the only kind she received. A disappointing test result and frightening prognosis, having to let go of ideas and hopes for the future, and adjusting to her body’s limitations all brought a deep sense of loss and grief—for both Lauren and her husband, Alex.

Yet the young couple fought hard to view each hurdle as an opportunity to press into what God had for them. Some of those opportunities had included making career changes, relocating, and establishing a nonprofit ministry called She Found Joy. Through speaking events, devotions, and podcasts, Lauren and her team encouraged women to discover and pursue authentic joy in each and every season.

Even with Lauren and Alex’s determination and earnest faith in God, the days—and nights—could still be painful. And choosing joy, or even finding a reason to smile, could sometimes feel like an insurmountable task.

That’s when their dog, Reese, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, shone the most. Ever since he was a puppy, he seemed to have made it his life’s mission to give his humans a reason to smile.

With his floppy ears, tan and white silky coat, large inquisitive eyes, and perpetual smile, Reese had come hardwired to make people grin—especially Lauren.

On days when Lauren couldn’t get out of bed, Reese was content to snuggle close to her, occasionally lifting his happy little Cavalier face to hers for a kiss. On days when Alex was weighed down by stress at work, Reese gave him a reason to get up and go for a walk to clear his head. And on days when the couple worried about the future or had to absorb difficult news, Reese bounded toward them with a ball, inviting them to lay their worries down for a moment in favor of a rousing game of fetch.

But perhaps the biggest blessing Reese gave Lauren was pointing her to God—her healer and the source of her strength and hope. For while some days were difficult, Lauren has seen better days and knows the best is only yet to come.

PAWS & PONDER . . .

What brings a smile to your face? What in your life points you to God or causes you to reflect on him? How could you encourage someone to look to God for strength and joy?

Paws & Pray

Father, life can be so difficult. Happiness and joy seem so far away. Please remind me who you are and who I am in you. May I never forget how much you love me. That truth alone fills me with great joy.

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.