It’s been a hard week…again.
While I wouldn’t trade this last year in Alabama for anything and we’ve had such a wonderful time in our new home, we’ve had a year specifically marked with sadness. This last week our 14-year-old sweet pup, Maggie, passed away.
We got her when she was just 10 months old, the one that got left behind because no one wanted a solid sandy-colored Shih-tzu. We wanted her, though. The kids fell in love with her. Peyton was just barely three when we got her, and it was hysterical to watch this little puppy chase her and grab onto her undies and tug. Peyton was the little Coppertone baby!
She became a therapy pet for Peyton when she was diagnosed with Separation Anxiety Disorder; this dog was attached to her at the hip! Peyton even tried smuggling Maggie in a bag once when she had to go to work with me.
But it was time, and I’m thankful that Peyton and I got to be there. As we walked out of the vet’s examination room, we were greeted by little puppies and kittens in the lobby. Peyton and I were visibly upset, and the waiting patrons were so kind to us as we sat and waited for them to bring Maggie out in her little burial box. “I’m so sorry” scattered across the room, and one mother and daughter even stood up and asked if they could give us a hug. As we left, the mother called out, “We’re praying for you.”
I don’t know if they are Christians. I don’t know if they know the Lord. But that moment of kindness and words of prayers reminded me that the Bible tells us to treat others exactly that way.
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, –Colossians 3:12
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. –1 Peter 4:9
And as you wish that others would to do you, do so to them. –Luke 6:31
We are meant to show compassion to those around us. When we are as God asks us to be, it brings glory to Him! When someone needs a hug or a kind word, when we are the hands and feet of the body of Christ, we show honor to the Father that created us. You may not know the person you’re helping. Maybe you don’t realize what a simple hug can do or how kind words can put salve on a wound. But those moments where we obey God’s command to love, be kind, or treat others respectfully gives someone a moment where they see Jesus.
And I saw Jesus at work as those sweet women hugged Peyton tight and told her they were so sorry for her loss.
Dear friends, let find opportunities this week to do what God would have us do for each other…be kind, loving, tenderhearted, and compassionate!
~Erin
Iron Porch 