thankfulness lessons from my rescue dog (revised)

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ for you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

We adopted a new dog a little over a year ago. Her name is Caroline, and she is probably about five years old—but no one really knows, because all her remaining teeth are little nubs. (The vet has told us it’s from being kept in a cage and incessantly chewing on the bars.) Anyway, what we do know is that she’d been in shelters and foster homes for about a year before we adopted her, after being picked up in pretty bad shape from a life on the streets. We don’t know how long she was homeless, but she was rescued with two of her puppies that were already teenagers. One of her back legs had been badly injured—probably broken after being hit by a car—and the way the bones healed left that leg about three inches shorter than the others.

It took a few months for her to get used to us—and for our other middle-aged dog, Bella, to stop trying to eat her. But Caroline is super-snuggly and affectionate, and she turned out to be the perfect addition to our family. She’s scarred up and a little wonky, and she can be pretty anxious.

But there’s one thing that’s particularly noticeable about this sweet little dog: she is always just so happy to be here. Her tail is always wagging—which actually also wags that back leg that hangs a few inches above the ground. (It’s quite adorable.) Her eyes are bright and shine with a noticeable gratefulness. 

What an amazing lesson for us broken, scarred, and slightly wonky people who have been rescued by the grace of Jesus Christ. Like Caroline, we were all once lost in this world. Many of us—including myself—were caged by besetting sin, seeking ways to get out…but these efforts often caused more self-damage than freedom. Some of us may even carry permanent scars from the bad choices we made. 

But God did not leave us in our brokenness. He sent Jesus, His Son, to pay the penalty for our sin and declare victory over death (John 3:16). When we accepted this gift of grace, we were given a new life—made a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We were transferred out of darkness into marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9) and made citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20)! Like Caroline, we have a new family, a new home. 

When we wake up each morning, we may not exactly jump around with glee, goofily roll around on our backs, and want to immediately hit the outdoors in full-on discovery mode. But, sweet friends, do we open our eyes to the wonder of a new day—a fresh gift from God, full of new mercies and potential? As we go about our day, do we bask in the wonder and beauty of God’s amazing creation? Are we overflowing with gratefulness for the eternal hope we have as a child of God?

Life is challenging right now for every one of us. But, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have joy unspeakable to which we can cling each day—despite the relentless bad news from the media. We have a Savior who will never leave us or forsake us, no matter how long we are isolated from others. Despite the vitriol and divisiveness in our culture and world, we have the Prince of Peace. 

Lord, help me to be thankful at all times, in all circumstances, appreciating the multitude of gifts you lay out in front of me each day.