Missy and the Mailman
But the Lord is faithful and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
Once upon a time, I had a Chihuahua named Jazz. When I adopted her, she was a senior and she was (supposedly) housebroken. She was an unusual little dog who gave poor old Mr. Grumbles a run for his life. She would get into these moods where she’d just turn on him and chase him around the house. It ended as quickly as it began—with him just looking at me with eyes that asked, “What did I do to deserve that?” Anyway, Harold Nichols (All God’s Creatures) shares a Chihuahua story about a pup, Missy.
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My mother-in-law Corinne Landry, lived in a neighborhood where mail was delivered to a mailbox attached to the house right by the front door. She had a wonderful Chihuahua named Missy, who decided that the mailman was evil and took it upon herself to protect the house and its occupants.
Missy had a routine. Her nose told her when the mailman entered the neighborhood, and she would begin racing around the house from room to room growling at this menace she couldn’t see. Her activity intensified as the mailman drew nearer and continued even after he delivered the mail. It was after he actually left the neighborhood that she collapsed for a well-earned rest.
One day when Mrs. Landry was retrieving the mail, Missy slipped out. Her nose led her straight to the unsuspecting mailman, and by the time Mrs. Landry got outside to rescue him, Missy had cornered the poor man against a neighbor’s front door. His eyes were as big as saucers as he tried to ward of this raging menace. We have joked that Missy may have been solely responsible for the change in mail delivery, with boxes now on posts in the street.
Missy’s fierceness keeping the house safe and the evil intruder out brings to mind God’s fierceness in protecting me. He has promised to protect and shield me from whatever the evil one throws at me. And like Missy, He will frequently warn me of dangers before my limited vision becomes aware of them. I simply need to remember that He is always one step ahead of me.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Gracious God, thank You for Your love that is so much bigger than a Chihuahua! Help us to remember how often Your love has protected us and will continue to do so. AMEN.