Well, it’s been over 24 hours and no sign of Marley yet. Who’s Marley? She is our family dog.
During our Christmas dinner she was enjoying a prime rib bone in our backyard. The gate was partly open. That’s not anything unusual. It’s been open before and Marley just has always stayed inside the fenced in area. But last night, some of our neighbors were shooting fireworks. I presume that Marley freaked out when she heard the booming noise. When we finished eating, we went to the back to let her in and there was no Marley.
You see, she was a dog that we rescued back on May 31, 2014 (Click here. ) She still has some of her skittish tendencies, but has come such a long way from where she used to be. Now Marley barks to protect us when someone comes to the door, loves to play with other dogs now, (Well, at times. I call her the snob-dog sometimes.) and sleeps at the foot of our youngest son’s bed nightly as if it is her bed. She is part of our family.
I posted a photo of Marley with a little message regarding her missing on Facebook. Oh my! My heart has been so overwhelmed with joy from all the “shares”, comments, texts, private messages, etc. that have occurred. Over one hundred shares that I know of, and that doesn’t included other’s sharing the post from their friends’ pages. My cup runneth over, and tears fill my eyes. Thank you ALL for your kindness over our family pet.
This morning I went around the neighborhood to post flyers. While doing so, one of my neighbors said that a gentleman was driving around in his truck looking for Marley as well. I had received a message that the husband of an old schoolmate of mine (and I taught their daughter) was out patrolling the area. While on my walk, I saw him. So precious! I don’t know this sweet man, but he took the time to drive various neighborhoods and walk the railroad tracks looking for my dog.
In the late morning my brother, sister-in-love, and two friends came over to search in the woods with me. On our way back I noticed a vehicle driving slowly down our streets. I approached the lady driver. Maybe she noticed Marley collar and leash in my hands, I don’t know, but she said, “Are you looking for the lost dog on Facebook? I was leaving Walmart and decided to drive around and look for her as well.” Wow! A total stranger for my little lost dog.
As of now, her food and water await her at both the front and back doors, along with blankets that she sleeps on from Cole’s bedroom. Every time I hear a dog bark, my ears become keener to the sound and the location. Prayers for our family fur-ever friend are appreciated.
Throughout this process God has revealed some things to me:
First of all, what is it about lost pets that gets everyone’s hearts stirring?
- It’s a relationship.
- They are part of a family.
- People put themselves in the shoes of the ones who have the lost pet and they want to help locate them and bring them home.
- Astounding willingness to serve by seeking for the lost pet.
- And like the saying goes…A dog is a man’s best friend.
Now, think about all the lost souls that are out in our world. We Christians are called to go and share the Good News with all. In Mark 16:15 Jesus said, “So wherever you go in the world, tell everyone the Good News.” Just like I shared my missing post regarding Marley on social media, I challenge you to share a word/devotional/bible verse/etc.
Let’s tie the above bullet points regarding dogs to a walk with Jesus:
- It’s a relationship. Yes! Jesus Christ desires to have a relationship with you. Having a walk with God is not about religion, it’s all about a relationship. (Click here to read 7 postings on this topic.)
- When you become a Christian, you are part of a family. Stay connected to your spiritual family to help keep you accountable, grow closer to God, and fellowship with others. Is there any “perfect” family? Nope. But God is the Perfect Parent.
- We were all born sinners. It just takes some of us a little longer to realize that accepting Christ as our personal Savior is what washes our sins away and gives us deeper sense of forgiveness, mercy, compassion, empathy, and love. When we go through difficulties in our lives (and they will happen), and we hold God’s hand through it all, He gives us a purpose, makes us stronger, and brings joy in the end of our difficult circumstances. He also puts a desire in our hearts to want to bring others “home”, closer to Him as well. We’ve been lost before in sin, so we possibly know what others are going through. Show empathy and concern for the lost.
- As Christians, we should have the astounding willingness to serve others for the love of God.
- Okay, allow me to make a total play on wordage here, but spell dog backwards and what do you get? God. God is the very BEST friend you could ever ask for! And He won’t run away. Just sayin’.
So, my precious dog is “lost”, but there are many “lost” souls out in our world too.
Just as easy as “sharing” my post about my missing dog was for people to do, I hope you will “share” the Good News of Jesus Christ with others.
Many are “praying” for the return of Marley. I hope you will be “praying” for the return of those who have gone away from God.
To God be all the glory through it all!
“Remember this: Anyone who brings a sinner back from the wrong way will save that person from eternal death and cause many sins to be forgiven.” James 5:20
“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” Luke 15:4-7
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
I will keep you posted as to when my little lost sheep, I mean dog, returns.
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie