Have a Max-imum Morning!
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)
After all these years, I have come to the conclusion that cats and dogs don’t exactly care what we are going through, but they certainly know when something is wrong. Is it our tone of voice, salty tears, long sighs, or can they smell our stress? Regardless of our circumstances, they still want to be taken care of as if everything was A-OK. Allison Lynn Flemming (All God’s Creatures) shares what and how she learned about trusting in God’s faithful love.
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Max came to us as a two-pound bundle of furry love. He was a round, soft Pomeranian puppy, with silky ears and a penchant for nibbling on fingers. It had been many years since we’d owned a puppy, and my husband, Gerald, and I were excited for those early days.
But a week after Max came to live with us, our lives entered a downward spiral. We both contracted Covid, and it hit us hard. A month after our recovery, Gerald’s dad became ill and passed away. And just as we were getting through the immediate rush of grief, funeral arrangements, and estate laws, we were knocked out by Covid again!
And through all this, we were trying to raise and train an active little puppy.
There were days when we dreaded getting up in the morning, overwhelmed before we even lifted our heads off the pillow. But there would be Max, smiling at us from his crate. Good morning! He seemed to say. This is an amazing day! Let’s go see what’s happening!
He’d bound into each day full of enthusiastic joy. Every meal and trip into the backyard made him spin with excitement. He danced for his squeaky toys and his little fleece blanket. Gerald and I couldn’t stop laughing the day Max discovered reusable shopping bags. He’d grab one by the handle and run, letting it billow out behind him like a kite.
Lamentations reminds us that God’s compassions are new every morning, but it is easy to let the weight of yesterday and worries of what lies ahead cloud that sunrise view.
In a challenging year, Max’s enthusiasm reminded us of that daily newness. This morning belongs to God, and because of that, we can approach it filled with hope, trusting in God’s faithful love.
Loving Lord, thank You for Your compassions that never fail. We are grateful for Your mercies that are new every morning. Teach us focus on today. AMEN.