But, like any baby, there is crying at night. In fact, lots of it, as she tries to get used to sleeping alone in a crate. One of the best days of my life bringing home a new puppy was the most challenging in hers by being separated from her canine family to come live with me.
I'm working to make her safe place as inviting as possible... even ordered the Amazon snuggle puppy with the heartbeat and heat pack... but it hasn't worked to comfort her.
There is nothing more agonizing than hearing a puppy cry. She will need to learn to self-soothe and to realize that I will always come back to her with compassion and enthusiasm.
As I listen to the wailing and whining that breaks my heart, I think... If only she could know how I am still here even when she can't see me... how much I love her and how I have excitedly prepared for her... how I have a great life planned for her. I will love her and care for all her needs. I will protect and guide her and provide all kinds of opportunities for a rich and full life. I will be faithful in loving her because it is her loyal companionship I long for. If only she could trust me and know these things!
It suddenly dawned on me the parallels in this picture... that God is wanting the same kind of blind trust from me! As I sometimes whine or complain or worry about the unknowns, I remember how faithful He has always been to me. I know He has guided my life through hard things and given me so many good things along the way. I can trust that He is protecting me from harm, guiding me on right paths to bring out the best in my life. He has more wonderful plans for my future, even if I can't see them now. He forgives my flaws and never gives up on me. He longs for my close companionship and loyalty... that I would trust Him completely, rest in His promises, and abide in His love.
Now whenever Zoey cries about the temporary discomfort or the unknowns, I can be reminded of how God surrounds me with His love and is guiding me through the present uncertainties. As solid and loving as I can be for Zoey, God is so much more capable of loving and guiding me through the things that make me anxious.
Whenever I can put my full trust in Him, I can travel a path of peace through the unknowns.
God of all comfort, enable me to trust you the way I long to be trusted. Help me to abide in you through every uncertainty, knowing you are God and you know best. I give you my faithfulness and trust. Help me to travel well along your path of true peace.
See remaininhim.com for more stories and practical application of living our faith through the unexpected and the unknowns.
