This week we were saddened to say goodbye to our Australian Shepherd, George. We’ve had George for ten years and he will be missed here at the ranch. At times, I called George “the big galoot” because it seemed like he was always in the way, and my son-in-law agreed that although “galoot” wasn’t a term he would often use, it fit George perfectly. The reason, though, was because he loved to be right beside us, wherever we were and whatever we were doing. When I tried to plant or weed in my garden, George would be there, likely sitting right in front of me where I needed to work. When I came home or when I came out of the house, he would come to greet me, joyously bouncing around to show that he was happy to see me. George wanted to be with me and celebrated my presence.
I would like to have the same desire to remain close to the one I call my Master and Lord, the Lord Jesus, and the same tendency to rejoice in His presence. How much better my life would be if I would choose to remain right beside Him at all times!
George very rarely had to be tied up, but there were times when he just couldn’t be helping out. When we had family hot dog roasts, or during calving season when we were checking new calves, or on some other occasions, George would have to be tied up for safety or practicality. He hated that, and he would always look so sad because we just couldn’t make him understand why he couldn’t be right there with us. Sometimes our cat, Sophia, felt so sorry for him that she sat right there by where he was chained to keep him company.
We sometimes have a hard time understanding why God does certain things which seem to limit us and make us uncomfortable for a time. We may not see that He always has a reason. At these times, we need to be willing to sit still, wait, and trust.
George was afraid of storms. He would tremble and cower when he heard any loud noise, but thunder was his greatest fear. Although he was not a dog to wander, once during a thunder storm our neighbors found him out on the county road, lost and afraid. Once we moved into our house, Dan built George his own little “den” under the porch, a place where he could look in the basement window and see us while staying safe from the wind or weather. It also protected him from the summer heat. George enjoyed that spot. It became his favorite hangout.
The Psalmist often speaks of God providing refuge and shelter, and Isaiah speaks of God providing, “a shelter from the storm and rain.” Our fears can cause us to wander, to become lost and alone, but when we trust in Christ, God provides a shelter and a resting place in the storms of life, a place of comfort and protection where we can see Him and rest in His provision and care.
George’s passing also reminded me of how quickly our lives pass by. It seems impossible that it was ten years ago that we brought a roly-poly puppy home with us. I thought about the book of Ecclesiastes, which emphasizes this theme. Ecclesiastes is a book of the Bible often looked at as depressing, perhaps because the repeated word, “vanity” is often misunderstood and another term that the writer often uses– “under the sun” is not emphasized. “Vanity” should bring to mind that which is temporary, changing, or quickly passing. “Under the sun” points out that the conditions being described are true to life lived in the human realm, on this earth. In chapter 3, the author points out that under the sun, everything has a time or season. Right after the often-quoted list of a time for this and a time for that, the author declares that God has made everything beautiful in its time, and goes on to say that ultimately God will judge and bring everything in line with His plan, “for there is a time for every matter and for every work” –“under the sun”. It is by God’s sovereign plan that everything is temporary, changing, and quickly passing in this life, and it is by His assignment that things are limited to be this way. In contrast, “…whatever God does endures forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it.” (3:14). While everything around us is temporary and changing, God and His plan remain completely unchangeable.
I’m really glad we had ten years to enjoy the blessing of a great dog. But, so much more, I’m blessed to know that because of our salvation through Christ, we have eternity to rest in our Savior, to know His provision and care and the joy of His presence. Losing George was hard, but the reminders that comforted my heart are reminders that I need every day for the rest of my life!
Dar Huff
Wonderful message about life.