Misty

Deuteronomy 4:9-10 Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.

 It’s been near forty years but I still remember exquisitely happy times with Misty. She was our first Sheltie; a companion, a family member. Whomever she was with—following, playing or just lying by your side—she made each of us feel that she was their dog. She was a constant source of smiles, and in rough times she was a comfort—I remember.

The gift of memory is a wonderful gift from God. It may be used for healing from unpleasant events and for re-experiencing pleasurable ones. Every time I see a Sheltie, past good times with Misty hit me with emotion that’s palpable. I delight in those happenings. And something else has become evident—God teaches through memory.

I remember the last day Misty and I were just hanging out, sitting in the back yard, when she saw a bird land in our Magnolia tree. She would usually rush to announce that the intruder was not family and should leave. But that day, she raised her head, ears on alert, and slowly got to her feet. Was she going to try to sneak up on it? No, instinct took over. She started to run toward the tree, but it was a stagger, really, and her bark was weak. The bird sat still. Misty ambled back. With tears in my eyes, I hugged her and thanked her for being so loyal to us.

 That memory comes up whenever I feel like quitting or relaxing my effort to be a loyal family member—the twilight years can sometimes invite such reactions. I’m not twenty any longer, and I have to walk to my appointed duty instead of running. However, it gives me time to ponder my responses and, hopefully, let the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit be heard.

 I hope your memories are healing, or happy or teachable. I cherish memories of all our Shelties and I thank God for putting them in our family and reminding me of the time we had together. Memories of family gatherings all include a Sheltie somewhere, usually happily jumping and barking. Some occurrences make me wonder, “What brought that memory on?”

 And then…I remember.

 Father God, never let me forget. Let the memories refresh my soul, lighten my heart and, when necessary, gently prod me with a lesson to be remembered. Amen