Doggy in Church

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement
Doggy in Church

The large poodle lay contentedly on the church floor in front of his family. The young boy wiggled a bit in his seat, and the dog got up and came to him. After the boy scratched him behind the ears, mama pulled the upper part of the big dog’s body across her lap and hugged his head. A few minutes later he lay down again to snooze a bit. The boy and his sister colored while the service continued. Obviously, the family loved this big, beautiful black dog. Everybody near-by could read the signs on his harness. One read, “I’m working, ask my master before you pet me.” Another read, “Not all disabilities are visible.”Obviously, the well-behaved dog was a service dog. The dog moved about less than some of the wiggly children filling the church chairs. He had mastered church behavior. Exception: he didn’t have to stand to sing.

I didn’t need to know what the problem was. God, however, knew exactly why this obedient dog was needed. Somehow, He had orchestrated for the family to recognize the dog was an answer to prayer. Somehow, they managed to locate the perfect dog. Even more wonderful, someone knew how to train the animal to do his job. What an amazing and useful skill for many issues for many people. Thank you, God, that you gave people the discernment to realize some dogs have a special sensitivity to people with difficulties. Thank you, God, that you revealed methods to train dogs to use that sensitivity to benefit people. Please use that lovely poodle to meet that precious boy’s needs. Thank you, God, for all the answers You provide to your people for all types of issues. Help us to stay open to perceive You, God, behind things we don’t understand.