Dogs can teach us about life. If only we would take heed to the treasures they teach us. Gracie Lou is our 12.5 year old English Springer. She is beyond happy to see us each time we walk through the front door. She is so grateful for every meal that we place in her food bowl. She's ecstatic when she gets a dog bone. She loves serving as my husband's fishing partner, always ready to help land the fish. She doesn't know about the challenges of life that we humans deal with. She's a dog.
This last week, I found out that Gracie Lou has liver cancer. We don't know how long she has on this earth, but we do know her days are numbered. Periodically, I can see a look in her eyes as if to say "I don't feel like I used to.....something's not right." But, she is so happy, so grateful, and treasures the simple things that come her way each day. The morning paper. A treat. A good meal. Cuddle time. Scrambled eggs on Saturdays. Swimming in her baby pool. Gracie Lou doesn't know about cancer, death, or the horrible atrocities that you and I hear and read about in the news. She's a dog.
Even though Gracie Lou is probably hurting, she continues to force herself to respond with the same exuberance and the same gratitude with her family. She loves life and even though a horrible cancer is taking over her body, she remains grateful. She lives with a beautiful spirit that I want more of.
Life can do a number on us. Somehow, as time marches on, we begin to have expectations. We lose a spirit of gratitude, because we expect things to go our way. Things don't always go our way. We forget that every meal, every breath, every life experience is a precious gift from God. We take for granted having a home, enjoying a meal, having family and friends, working a job and yes, even God. You see, God is the giver of all good gifts. He tells us in the Bible "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5;18)
How can you and I practice a life of gratitude? First and foremost, eliminate complaining from your life. Just quit. You can do it. Secondly, reflect and speak about what you're thankful for. Consistently tell those around you how much you appreciate them. Thank your spouse, friend, co-worker or children-even for the little things. Thank God as well! He love to be appreciated! Finally, seek to become a man or woman of gratitude. Let gratitude ooze out of you...even when life doesn't go your way. Today, I'm grateful for Gracie Lou, her life and the days we have left with her. Knowing what I know now makes me appreciate every moment. Yes, she's teaching me a lot these days.
Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
No comments:
Post a Comment