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- Feb 9, 2004
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Welcome, Spencer! - November 11, 2006
When our beloved dog of sixteen years, Otis, died, our nineteen year old daughter, Lindsey, and I agreed that there would never again be another dog in our home. "I never want to have to deal with the pain on losing another dog again, " I told her. She affirmed, saying, "No dog could take the place of Otis!"
Our position was firm, and even when the veterinarian mentioned to us that the best thing we could do to help with our sense of loss was to get another dog, I felt insulted, and thought her quite emotionally cold to even think we could possibly wish to replace such a loyal and good friend.
Today, I feel a bit silly writing the above because we have a new addition to our family. An adorable little Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix named Spencer.
The loss of Otis highlighted how much joy he had brought to our family. Without him, there was no one to get excited when I walked in the door during the afternoon, and the other family members were off to work or college. Nor was there anyone there to issue me a lick a cuddle, or to encourage me to go outside for a walk. Likewise, during those occasional late nights when my husband had to work overtime, or go out of town, no one was there to provide that sense of protection and security.
Spencer, is not meant to replace Otis, for that is impossible because he was one of a kind, a unique dog all himself, and will be appreciated for his own special qualities. Once again though, our home has that same sense of life and energy, and Spencer's presence clearly brings a smile to all our faces!
Today's Daily Wisdom is not about dogs, dealing with loss, or even the preciousness of life. The deeper message I hope to convey is one of the impossible being possible. Things we thought never being able to occur, happening.
Just as I never thought I'd ever own another dog, likewise, there are people who think that a difficult life situation they are in cannot change. Or, a mother and father may think it impossible for their teen to break the addiction of drugs, or build a new relationship with Christ.
However, just as I proved myself wrong, faith in God and surrendering to His awesome abilities CAN make the impossible possible!
Prayer: "Dear God, please help me to trust You better. Allow me to place my life and all its various facets within Your capable hands because You can see the bigger picture that I cannot. Help me to see that You can make the ugly, beautiful, and the sinful, spotless. All that is needed is our faith, and Your mercy. This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit home
When our beloved dog of sixteen years, Otis, died, our nineteen year old daughter, Lindsey, and I agreed that there would never again be another dog in our home. "I never want to have to deal with the pain on losing another dog again, " I told her. She affirmed, saying, "No dog could take the place of Otis!"
Our position was firm, and even when the veterinarian mentioned to us that the best thing we could do to help with our sense of loss was to get another dog, I felt insulted, and thought her quite emotionally cold to even think we could possibly wish to replace such a loyal and good friend.
Today, I feel a bit silly writing the above because we have a new addition to our family. An adorable little Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix named Spencer.
The loss of Otis highlighted how much joy he had brought to our family. Without him, there was no one to get excited when I walked in the door during the afternoon, and the other family members were off to work or college. Nor was there anyone there to issue me a lick a cuddle, or to encourage me to go outside for a walk. Likewise, during those occasional late nights when my husband had to work overtime, or go out of town, no one was there to provide that sense of protection and security.
Spencer, is not meant to replace Otis, for that is impossible because he was one of a kind, a unique dog all himself, and will be appreciated for his own special qualities. Once again though, our home has that same sense of life and energy, and Spencer's presence clearly brings a smile to all our faces!
Today's Daily Wisdom is not about dogs, dealing with loss, or even the preciousness of life. The deeper message I hope to convey is one of the impossible being possible. Things we thought never being able to occur, happening.
Just as I never thought I'd ever own another dog, likewise, there are people who think that a difficult life situation they are in cannot change. Or, a mother and father may think it impossible for their teen to break the addiction of drugs, or build a new relationship with Christ.
However, just as I proved myself wrong, faith in God and surrendering to His awesome abilities CAN make the impossible possible!
Prayer: "Dear God, please help me to trust You better. Allow me to place my life and all its various facets within Your capable hands because You can see the bigger picture that I cannot. Help me to see that You can make the ugly, beautiful, and the sinful, spotless. All that is needed is our faith, and Your mercy. This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2005 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living: A Christian marriage manual and Life-guide", "Son Salutations" and "Daily Contemplations", which are a collection of read-one-a-day modern inspirations. For more information, visit home
