Marley and Cole on the golf cart.
Marley being camera shy.
Marley saying with her eyes, “Are you going to eat that?”
Marley, oh Marley…you were lost and now your found.
The Prodigal Dog.
So many people have been asking me about our dog, Marley. First of all, your kindness and concern is so precious and appreciated. Thank you.
I must say, Marley is a character. When she arrived home that first night, her under-nourished body walked through our kitchen door and hopped onto her normal section of our couch as if nothing had happened. She was thin and exhausted. Her paws were raw from having a 17 day adventure out in the world.
She rested often, ate every chance she got, and carefully strolled on her tattered paws.
Marley’s paws have healed and she has caught up on her rest, but one thing for sure is that she eats like it’s her last meal all the time!
Our once timid and rescued dog is now a dog with an attitude. Marley barks more as she seems to be protecting us with every knock and opening of the door. I can just imagine her having to act and sound like a “tough dog” while she was out on the streets surviving on her own.
Speaking of the door opening; she loves to go! She wants to hop in the vehicle and take trips, especially when she knows she’s going out to our country home. Being on her own gave her a confidence and a sense of adventure. When Marley’s paws hit the land, she runs free (within her perimeters) and plays enthusiastically with Layla (our acquired Bullmastiff).
What really intrigues me with Marley is her appetite. We feed her on a regular basis, but she acts like that’s not enough. Any time anyone walks into the kitchen, she follows them in there. Any time we are cooking or eating a meal, she is right beside us, looking intently at each movement of the hand to see if she is the next recipient of a prepared meal. We used to be able to leave a garbage bag out that wasn’t completely full yet, and continue filling it while cooking. Now…Marley thinks that is her oversized dog bowl. Ugh! We have to carefully watch and reprimand her when that happens. Yes, Marley is still in survival mode and has become quite the beggar for food. She needs to wear a sign that says, “Will wag tail zealously for food.”
Her appetite is what got me to thinking…
Marley’s story reminds me of the Prodigal son. Marley’s life was a good life, but after leaving home and being terribly lost in the world, she returned home. Home and changed.
When this occurs in our lives, we hunger and thirst for more of Jesus.
My hope for you is that you don’t wait until you have been found after straying away from God, or only when you are a new Christian to have a desire for more of Christ. Hunger for Him now and always.
“You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Matthew 5:6 MSG
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.” 1 Peter 2:2-3
“As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1
“The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:33-35 NLT
“God—you’re my God! I can’t get enough of you! I’ve worked up such hunger and thirst for God, traveling across dry and weary deserts.” Psalm 63:1
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I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie