Sam

Yesterday was a very sad day for us. Our sweet black lab had to be put to sleep. Sam had to be the most wonderful dog in the world. This was a dog you could give a piece of steak to and then just take it out of his mouth and he would look at you as if to say "did I do something wrong?" He never bit, nipped, jumped up...he was just a perfect dog. okay as a puppy he chewed on electrical cords - live ones too - but it didn't last long as you can well imagine! We did have to rewire two lamps.

Our boys would play street hockey for hours with the neighbours and Sam was always there - even getting a stick in the face once in a while - he loved it. When there was a shot on goal that missed and went flying down the street, that was Sam's cue - his turn to go get the ball and whoever called him he would go right to him and then they would say"drop Sam" and he would put the ball at their feet. What a dog! The kids - all the neighbourhood kids, thought Sam was the coolest dog ever! And he was. Every stranger who came into our yard was greeted with a wagging tail - even the meter reader!

But Sam got old and while he dearly wanted to play fetch, his back hips would not cooperate. Then an illness in his belly started and life just became so difficult. Trips out to the back yard in the morning were exhausting...and so we had to let him go. I think this is one of the hardest things I have ever done. But we were there with him and loving on him as he fell asleep and I think he knew that he was just too tired to keep going.

Death is so final. There is no going back - ever. While Sam was a pet, I am reminded that our Creator holds our lives and the lives of our loved ones in the palm of His hand. He alone knows our time - long or short. He alone! I am reminded to consider what is important in this life...and it is not things, events, doings....what is important is knowing who I am in Him and that there is eternal life when our time is up...what is important to me, is knowing that when this brief visit here on earth is over, real life begins with my Saviour and there will be no pain, no sorrow, no heartache...but only joy. In the meantime, as I wait, I need to consider all things in the Light of Christ. My prayer tonight is that everyone reading this post will know Jesus Christ as He desires to be known - as the only Savior for sinners who continually fall short of the glory of God. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)

Blessings!

Julie