There's a wild rumor going around that getting a puppy is a lot of work. I would like to debunk that rumor. No, puppies really aren't a lot of work--they are an enormous, gigantic, time-devouring sink-hole of work.
People compare them to having a baby, but again, that's simply not true. Not only can you put babies in a crib, you can also place these marvelous contraptions on babies--they're called "diapers." O my, I never truly appreciated the joy of diapers until the last few days. (Sorry I forgot to ever thank You for diapers, Lord. But I'm thanking You now.)
Imagine the wonder of diapers--no pee pee accidents on the floor. No picking up a puppy mid-accident and rushing him out to the backyard while fussing, "Bad bathroom, Bingley. Bad bathroom." No standing out in the pouring rain when it's 42 degrees with a sweet little black fur-ball looking at you quizzically with an expression that says, "Are you crazy? Why on earth are we out here when it's so warm and nice in there?" Only to trudge back inside--for the 27 time that day in the rain--and that precious little dumpling promptly going pee pee on the kitchen floor...and then seeming to smile up at me as if to say, "See how much more comfortable it is in here?" O my stars.
But I'm not complaining. O nooooo. After all, the No Complaining Challenge is still in effect...although, clearly, there have been a few falls off the wagon. But for this we have Jesus and abundant grace. Thank You, Lord. Thank You that Your mercies are new every morning and that in You we have an infinite supply of patience, peace, and joy. So time to be thankful!
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Phi.4:6-7)
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Col.3:15)
Thank You, Lord, that You command us to do that which transforms our grumpiness and irritability into gratitude and joy. Isn't it amazing what a simple thing like choosing thankfulness over complaining can do to your attitude and to the atmosphere of your heart and your home?
So today, thank You, Father, for the gift of sweet little Bingley and the enormous amount of fun and delight he has added to our family. Thank You that he does things like this--
Thank You that all our children are home for Thanksgiving...thank You both for the enormous joy of having them home but also for the fact that they are helping with Bingley. Otherwise, I might not have had time for a shower or brushed my teeth in three days.
Thank You for Thanksgiving...and pilgrims...and freedom...and our great and godly heritage and this wonderful nation.
Thank You for turkey and dressing and sweet potatoes and squash casserole and spinach casserole and cake and pie...O my, thank You for food! And, of course, thank You for chocolate.
Thank You for our wonderful cousins, the Bordens, who hosted us once again for Thanksgiving. Thank You for the gift of family and friends and the joy of gathering together to talk and laugh and eat. And thank You for my amazing niece, Emily, playing the violin every year so we can all sing Thanksgiving hymns. The picture of Emily was all blurry but here are a few of us singing "Now Thank We all our God"--
Thank You that today might be "Black Friday," but that the blackest of fridays occurred over two thousand years ago. Thank You that on that black, horrific, wonderful friday, You gave Your life that we might gain eternal, abundant life.
Help us to live this day in the light of Your amazing grace and filled with gratitude for all that You've done, all that You are, and all that You've given us. To God be the glory.
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