The Treasure of Right Now

Please oblige me this post today. I've been through something that I've never gone through before. Most people may not be able to relate to this, but those who are dog lovers will understand my need to do this.

God created a unique animal when He created the dog. They have been given an uncommon trait that even some humans have trouble with. Loyalty. My Lellow is no different.

www.dictionary.com defines loyalty as an attitude of affection, faithfulness to obligations, the feeling of allegiance, an unwavering devotion. That's my boy. Even when his brother gets into something he's not supposed to, I've observed on several occasions where Lellow will just sit by and watch and I'm sure thinking he just doesn't understand because he could never dream of doing something that would be so disobedient to me. I can almost imagine him shaking his head at the foolish brother. Lellow is unwavering in his devotion.

Being a single girl who has lived by myself for the past several years, these boys are what I have come home to for over seven years. I know it's silly. They are just dogs and I know that. But they unashamedly, never-faltering, regardless of how they feel or what they've done, always meet me at the door and jump up to say, "Welcome home, we're glad you are here!" Even when they know rule #1 is no jumping. I will scold for jumping but that does not deter them. The wagging and "talking" to me and running all over the house ensues. I sometimes laugh because I wonder if their "talking" is them telling me about their day. But probably not as I have no idea how their brains or thought patterns work. But they are so excited to see me that they just can't contain themselves. I can tell you though, no matter what I feel like or what kind of day I've had, I know as I'm walking in the door, there are two loyal boys waiting on me to love them back.

I know we'll go on and this is just part of life, but yesterday I lost a companion who taught me a lesson in enjoying the right now. No matter the circumstances, no matter the feelings . . . the right now is where we live.

Yesterday had to have been one of the hardest days for me. But even in the midst of feeling like I was drowning, God gives mercy. The boys vet and my friend, Alice, and her assistant, Linda, cried right there with me. Then prayed for me when words could not come. I don't remember much of what she said. I just remember her saying the words my heart wanted to say.

Another example of grace . . . I came into work this morning and slipped on my iPod to help me focus and get some things done. Steven Curtis Chapman has a new project that I just downloaded earlier in the week but hadn't listened to all the songs yet. So, I pop on the earphones and the first song that comes to my ears, mind and soul . . .

It's time for letting go of all of our "if onlies"
'Cause we don't have a time machine
And even if we did would we really want to use it
Would we really want to go change everything
Cause we are who and where and what we are for now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about

So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

There's only One who knows what's really out there waiting
And all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know is He's out there waiting
To Him the future's history
And He has given us a treasure called right now
And this is the only moment we can do anything about

So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

And if it brings you tears, taste them as they fall
Let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter then throw your head back
And let it go; Let it go
You gotta let it go and listen to your heartbeat

And breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There's a wonder in the here and now
It's right there in front of you
And I don't want you to miss the miracle of the moment

God, thanks for the reminder that You give us each moment. Whether it's laughter-filled or tear-filled, it's the moment You have given us to experience the miracle. Thanks for all the "right now treasures" You gave me with Lellow.