Merry Christmas to All
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men! Luke 2:14 NKJV
I have always found it fascinating and fun to dog sit or take in foster dogs. Like us, they each have their own personality and ways of doing things. While their routine might not look like mine, we always seem to meet in the middle. There have been times when I have learned some life-lessons from these furry creatures. Sandra Clifton shares a heart-warming lesson for this season.
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I had agreed to feed, water and walk my friend Cathy’s terrier, Ginny, her companion dog. It was Christmas week. Cathy was headed out of town to be a caregiver for her sick aunt.
On the first day of our walk, I attached Ginny’s leash to her collar as she waited eagerly. Off we went and I tried to lead Ginny down the street toward the city dog park. But this little dog was firmly leading me somewhere else. Where?
Oh, no, not the mall. I felt my blood pressure rise at the sight of the enormous rambling brick structure. The mall during Christmas was a glitzy tinsel-town zoo of too much noise, too much commotion and too many people.
Inside the mall, Ginny and I were met by blaring tinny piped-in holiday music and a moving storm surge of chattering people. I began to frown, while Ginny’s tail wagged with excitement.
This little terrier was excited not only by the tinselly, glitzy decorations and music but also by the people—seniors, teens, young couples, and families of all configurations. As we passed them, Ginny wagged her tail, inspiring me to say a silent prayer for each one.
Thanks to Ginny, I began to look at the throngs around me with different eyes. I felt a rush of “goodwill toward men.” My blood pressure dropped, and my heart for all God’s creation rose. Ginny kept my heart filled with unconditional love for everyone. The frown on my face vanished as a smile replaced it.
I knew I was brought to the mall, not just by Ginny’s persistent tugging, but by the gentle direction of a much higher power. God used Ginny’s unique, loving perspective of Christmas at the mall to pull me into a scene that would ignite my love for His creation
Lord, I pray that You help us feel—and express—peace and goodwill toward all we meet in our Christmas busyness this week. AMEN.