He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 ESV
An amazing thing happens when you find the perfect puppy – something undeniable. A bonding takes place. It’s unexplainable, really, but I speak from first-hand experience. On December 7th, 2002, I fell in love with a beagle pup named Natalie and my world would never be the same. As I drove home with this tiny bundle curled up in my fleece jacket, happiness consumed me.
The Perfect Pup!
This little beagle babe was everything a family could want—good natured, quiet and loving. We had made the perfect choice. However, our definition of “perfect” was about to be challenged.
Within a matter of days, we realized Natalie had a problem. She struggled to walk and kept toppling over into her food bowl. She would tilt her head and tremor on occasion. I prayed this was normal puppy behavior, but knew in my heart it was not. The next three weeks were riddled with visits back and forth to the vet. The diagnosis was grim, to say the least: Neurological problems. Natalie was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, an under-developed Cerebellum. Since this is the area of the brain that controls motor skills, Natalie’s ability to walk normally and consistently would never improve.
Now What?
During this particular season of my life, I was pretty dried up, emotionally. I hadn’t cried in years. However, I wept like a baby all the way home from the veterinarian’s office. Natalie never knew the difference. She slept soundly, curled up on my chest. But my heart would not stop breaking. This just seemed too unfair—for her and for us.
Natalie was only with us for about eighteen months, but during those months God completely opened me up emotionally. Once completely closed, I now found myself free to mourn. To hope. To express joy. To laugh at that pup’s silly antics during her better moments. To sob when the day finally came. All of the emotions were freed up, thanks to a tiny little dog.
Maybe you’re in a dry season.
Don’t despair! The same God who created tiny beagle puppies created you. He knows and loves every part of you, from your heart to your mind. And He wants to see you walk in wholeness and healing from head to toe! Give Him your emotions, then watch as He opens you up, from the inside-out.
Challenging Thought: Would you say that you are an emotionally open or closed person? How does God feel about emotions?
Read more devotions like this one in a new book Janice co-authored with Louise Looney titled An Overcoming Walk of Peaks and Valleys, now available on Amazon!
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