This week our house was invaded with cuteness. Along with two of our grandchildren, we had eight puppies sleeping in our kitchen. Whenever I came close to their pen, each puppy would look inquisitively to see if I would be willing to give them a cuddle.
Being unable to resist those longing eyes, I would pick up one and hold it for a few minutes, only to have seven other puppies whining and clamouring for their turn.
It takes between ten and fifteen minutes just to let each puppy have a minute or so of attention. When I put a puppy down, all the others jump up on my arm trying to be the next one chosen. That of course includes the puppies that have already had a turn. So if I did not have at least fifteen minutes to give some puppy love, then I knew it was best not to pick any of them.
This reminded me how each one of us longs for love and affection just like those puppies. No wonder those who take the time to welcome and greet others or make a phone call to check up on someone else are so precious in the family of God. Paul encourages us in Romans 12:13 to practice hospitality. I wonder if he did that because he also realized that people, like puppies are just looking to be loved.
Feeding eights puppies at the same time is a sight to behold. When they were outside, I filled a cupcake pan full of dog food. When I opened the door, the dogs were ready to greet me. They could hardly wait to eat, some where trying to get a gulp even before I was able to put the pan down. In a manner of seconds the food was devoured and they were looking for more.
This reminded me of how important it is for all of us to be hungry for the Word of God! I pray that we will all take time to get a daily gulp and not simply be content to wait for the Sunday sermon. Naturally I pray that the Lord twill use the Sunday sermon to bless and encourage each and every person who listens, but like those puppies I realize, we need to be fed each and every day!
I have been very thankful for all the sunshine this week. The puppies have been able to spend quite a bit of time in our backyard without getting too wet or muddy from the rain. I have been pleased that they have taken advantage of being outside to do their business.
However, they are not yet house trained and would often use the pee pads within the gated area. Fortunately for us, they seemed content to wait until they got outside to make the real mess. That is until Friday morning when they all seemed to think it was ok to go inside the house. When we arrived downstairs, it was difficult to breath. So out they went and the clean up began.
I was reminded of that verse in Proverbs 14:4 that says “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty, but from the strength of an ox comes an abundant harvest.” It is difficult the have the cuteness of eight puppies without some mess and inconvenience.
As we ask the Lord to help us to reach out and grow as a congregation, it is good to realize that with growth comes some mess and inconvenience. New believers will need someone to answer their questions and children and youth will require teachers who can guide and shepherd them. Even the building will show signs of being occupied. There will be more chairs to put away after a potluck and we might even have to clean up the odd spill. I for one would far rather do that, than never have to worry about any mess or inconvenience because the manger is empty—wouldn’t you agree!