Alie

     Her name is Alie.  She has big, soulful brown eyes and dark brown hair.  She is full of energy and always ready for adventure.  She is possessed of a sweet personality and is consistently good natured.  She is very young but growing rapidly.  She is the newest addition to my son and daughter-in-law’s family of five children.  She is a chocolate lab puppy.

    My sixteen year old granddaughter Stephanie has been waiting a long time for this puppy to come into her life.  She has loved animals from the time she was just a tiny girl.  When she was about eight, she got a hamster.  She named him Herman.  Herman had it made from the start.  He received such loving care, he lived far longer than anyone had ever expected.  He even had a little leash, and Stephanie would take him outdoors for a little bit of fresh air and exercise. 

    Now that the youngest child is three, it seemed a good time to get a puppy.  Alie joined the family about six months ago.  She hit the jackpot!!  She has love and attention lavished on her by five adoring children (Mom and Dad like her too.).  There is always someone to play tag or catch with.  But Stephanie is the one who is truly devoted to her.  She feeds her, cleans up her messes in the backyard, sits with her on her lap, plays with her, takes her for walks, makes sure she is warm and cozy for the night and patiently teaches her to be an obedient puppy.

     The last time we visited I watched them together and couldn’t help but think how their relationship reminds me of the way my relationship with the Lord ought to be.  The love and care Stephanie gives to Alie is returned with a simply devotion and trust that is heart warming to see.  Alie’s whole body shakes with delight the minute she sees Stephanie or just hears her voice.  She isn’t concerned about getting food and water because she knows Stephanie will provide all she needs.  When Stephanie attaches the leash to her collar she is eager and excited to get going.  She isn’t worried or fearful that Stephanie will take her to a place she doesn’t want to go; she simply follows with simple trust.  If she gets off track, Stephanie gently pulls her back to safety. 

     When it is time to practice the things Alie needs to learn, she is eager to do whatever Stephanie is teaching her.  She not only wants to please her sweet mistress, she knows there will be a reward if she is obedient.  With great patience Stephanie covers the same ground over and over until Alie gets it right.  They never seem to tire of one another’s company.

     The lesson for me is so clear.  Like Alie I have one who loves and cares for me far beyond anything I can ever imagine.  My heavenly Father provides, with abundance, all that I need.  He has a plan and purpose for my life and lovingly takes my hand and shows me the way.  When I get off track, He is there to bring me back to the place I need to be.  He teaches me the things He knows will make my life rich and full with infinite patience – willing to go over the same lessons time and time again until I get it right.  He longs to spend time with me.

     Yes, Alie is blessed to have become part of such a loving family; blessed to have one who loves and cares for her with an unconditional love.  I too have been chosen to be part of a loving family.  My Father loves and cares for me with that same unconditional love.  He is worthy of my complete love and trust.

“Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”

                                                                                         Isaiah 12: 2 (NAS)

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