Bentley, my little 7-month-old Schnauzer,
got neutered a few days ago.
So Amos (my 9-year-old Schnauzer) and I were
without him for a day and a half.
It was hard to leave the little guy at the vet’s knowing he was scared
and didn’t understand why I left him.
I remembered when I had cataract surgery a couple of years ago.
Even though it was a minor surgery and done as an out-patient,
I remembered the feeling of being alone in the prep room
waiting for the medical staff to roll my bed into surgery.
I knew if my parents were alive, they would have been with me.
Again, even though it was a minor surgery, just being all alone really
hit hard.
And then it happened . . .
In the midst of being the only one in the room,
God’s Spirit wrapped me in His arms
and reminded me in the sweetest way
that I wasn’t alone
and that I’d never be alone.
His presence was so real.
I actually had a worshipful experience
while waiting for surgery.
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them
will fall to the ground apart from your Father.” (Matthew 10:29
ESV).
Aren’t you glad God cares about every single thing in our lives?
Whether it’s minor surgery . . .
missing deceased loved ones
or worrying about a pet,
He genuinely cares.
By the way, Bentley is back home now.
Within two hours, he had completely
demolished his inflatable surgical doggie collar
I had purchased for him so he wouldn’t have to wear
the “cone of shame.”
He also chewed through a pair of my favorite shoes,
hid my car key and dragged my clean laundry
(before I’d had a chance to fold it
and put it away)
through the doggie door into the backyard.
I sigh.
Even Amos sighs.
But we still love him.
Cuddle with him.
And don’t give up on him.
Just like God with us.
Thoughts?
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but “we have not because
we ask not” (or something close to that) . . . so if God moves you to
make a donation to this ministry during the month of December—
when things can get lean for evangelists—I’ll send you a tax donation
receipt for your files, because I’m a 501-C3.
You can write a check to Susie Shellenberger Ministries and send to
me at: 7012 N. Lake Front Drive; Warr Acres, OK 73132
