Our Faithful Little Friend

I was so touched this week by a photo I saw on the news from one of the Seal Team Six members funeral. It was heartbreaking to see the flag-draped casket and on the floor in front of it, his faithful canine companion.  It was just lying there, sadly keeping watch. It's so sad that our animals feel the same emotions, and to some extent the same depth of emotions that we do, yet they have no words to express them. Their soft whimper, drooping tails and sad eyes are the only way they can convey what they are feeling. This trait of faithfulness to the end is such an amazing characteristc for dogs. We've all heard stories of dogs whose master died, and yet the dog continued to wait in its usual place for him to return; sometimes even to the detriment of their own well being, refusing to leave their watch even to eat or drink. Reports have been made of dogs who became separated from their master and made journeys of unbelievable distances, through many hardships, to find their way home again. Although our Cosmo hasn't done any amazing feats like these, in his own quiet way, he daily shows this trait of faithfulness. I notice it most when I'm just working around the house and he as usual, tries to be just as close to me as he can.  He is usually beside my feet if I'm sitting down on the couch.  Sometimes, if I go upstairs, when I finish my task and come back down, he is stretched out on the bottom step, waiting.....When I go outside and come back in, he is so close to the door I can barely get it opened to come inside. He is patiently waiting for me at the last place he saw me. I think the most poignant thing about this faithfulness is the fact that it is unconditional;we don't do anything to earn that unwavering love and devotion. They are so loyal and loving that they will even lick the hand raised to them in anger or abuse. How can this show of love fail to remind us of the love extended to us all through nail-scarred hands and a thorn-pierced brow?  I am constantly amazed that God loves us so much and wants to reveal Himself and His truths to us so desperately, that He will use anything to accomplish that, including lessons from a small, brown dog....