An Unexpected Gift

I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep.

“I’m willing to consider getting another dog, but I have some preconditions.” My stern tone fooled no one as I warily eyed my family around the breakfast table. We’d lost our beloved Peanut a month ago, and it had become clear that we are a two-dog family. Our goldendoodle, Sully, was struggling, and we were sad.

Aaron leaned toward Lizzie and began his familiar chant: “Saint Bernard! Saint Bernar—”

“What? No! No Saint Bernards.”

“Husky! Husky!” Lizzie picked up where Aaron left off, throwing a mischievous look toward her father.

“You can have as many huskies as you want in your own home. Be serious, you two!” Smiling, I turned toward Jon. “Our next dog needs to be small, no more than twenty pounds.”

And that’s how I found myself standing in a park, being introduced to a sixty-five-pound behemoth named Thea. Physically, she is the opposite of what I wanted, but her personality is what trainers look for in therapy dogs. After lots of discussion, that is what ultimately sold us on getting her.

Adopting an adult dog often comes with its own set of challenges. Still, as Thea settled into our family and we settled into her, I realized that she is my personal, unexpected blessing even as she is beloved by all of us.

If I am in the house, Thea is next to me. She shadows me from room to room, content to simply be near as I move through my day. She has declared herself my dog, and her unwavering doggy loyalty is a gift I didn’t know I needed during this stage of life.

Jesus knows what we need, usually before we do. And his gifts—big and small, temporary or semipermanent—often come disguised in situations, sizes, and shapes we’d typically overlook. He provides for us physically, emotionally, and spiritually during our life on Earth, including the ultimate gift: salvation through his sacrificial death on the cross so that our sins would be wiped clean.

Julie

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Reflect on John 10:14-15, above. List several ways Jesus has been your Good Shepherd, and pause to thank him for his provision.