As a child I always had a dog.  There was Cindy, Tina and King who spanned my childhood and college days. So, it seemed the right time to add the latest furry member to our family. I knew that I wanted a walking dog, one who would eagerly accompany me on my daily walks. A dog that was not too energetic; good with other dogs and good with children.  I began my research. After hours of internet research, books, and observations, we chose a Labrador Retriever and named her Belle. We found Belle when she was five months old. She’s sweet, mild and loves to walk.  She’s perfect, except for one thing. She has a double coat. Yup- who knew?  Not me! Even with all of that research, I don’t remember reading anywhere or anyone warning me that double coat means double shedding. It turns out that my furry friend is a little too furry! How could a short-haired dog possibly have so much fur?  I ponder my pain as I vacuum, sweep, launder and dust, all to keep her shedding manageable.  Then I look at Belle’s big black eyes and see that wagging tail and I know that despite the hairy flaw, I would not want to take my walks without her.

It reminds me that God loves me and desires to be with me even though there is nothing desirable about me. I may not shed, but I am very much aware of my sinful nature.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23.  In spite of it, God reaches out to me in love. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.  He does not hold my sin against me. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:8,9.

Lord, help me to do some daily shedding of my own, as I eagerly confess my sins and seek your purity.

Major June Carver