Winnie the Pooh died last week.
Not the “chubby little cub all stuffed with fluff” – lest I start a bad rumor.
This Winnie was a member of our household for the last sixteen years. The shih tzu has offspring scattered from Georgia to West Texas. She lived in seven different houses and outlived two hamsters, three cats, and two other dogs. What times she wasn’t a yapping fool, she was a good dog. And we’d been anticipating that she didn’t have long to live… for the last three years or so.
In our family two beliefs have always converged. Belief #1: Pets are good things. They teach us a lot about unconditional love, trust, and care. Plus, they’re (usually) a lot of fun.
Belief #2: If you fall off a horse, you get back on him. That’s why when Max, the Old English Sheepdog, was hit by a car, we bought Chance, the collie, that day. It’s why when Chipper, Carrie’s sickly kitten, had to be put down, we soon found Lucy, who’s hollering at my door right now.
I’ll spare you the details, but when Winnie assumed room temperature, Robin was out of town. My knee-jerk reaction was to pick up the paper and look for a puppy to greet her when she returned. After all, Winnie, of all our pets, was Robin’s dog, and she was brokenhearted.
In the end, for the time being, I chose not to. I’m sure we’ll eventually get another dog. But even with a house full of sadness, this wasn’t the time.
Recently we’ve been living in the Land of the Growing Piles. Piles of things to do. Piles of expenses. Piles of responsibilities. Piles of things to do to get some money to take care of the responsibilities and expenses. And, well, I think you get it. Life has just had the feeling that I’m constantly stepping on piles.
Despite the joy and fun, a new puppy would just be another pile. Yes, in more ways than one.
Just a few days earlier I had asked the Lord to help me bring some simplicity to my life. So with deliberations of what to do next, He spoke tenderly, with great care: “This is the first step to getting simpler. Don’t make it more complicated.”
In a small way, with a simple-but-sad decision, I bought back a tiny bit of my future. I carved out a little future time and money. I said “no” to an emotional desire so that later I can say “yes” with more ease, more joy, and more ability to enjoy the puppy that is to be.
Difficult? Sure. But more rewarding in the long run.
Nobody said that simplifying your life or putting heartfelt desires on hold for a better good was easy. But one day it will be worth it.
That’s LifeVesting.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
We hated to hear that Winnie was gone when you called. It reminded us of another call you made after one of your dogs died when you were in Seminary in Ft. Worth.
We will have her final resting place ready alongside Eeyore at the farm when the times to bring her here.
At least you still have Gabbie, Glavin and Lucy around to keep you entertained!!!
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our Dutchess, a black cocker spaniel, was with us 13 years and loved by the entire family. When her time came, we all cried. But, as you have indicated, owning a pet is both a blessing and a great responsibility. We, too, have decided to forego the blessings in order to enjoy the freedom we have now. I still enjoy petting other peoples pets, including our grand-cat, Raider. But, when we have to chance to “up and go” we now can do that without guilt or hassle. Some can make a good case that there WILL be dogs in heaven (but, not cats . . .
. I hope so. But, regardless, I know that God will meet our EVERY need, and, that He has planned blessings that we cannot even imagine. I can’t wait . . . !!!!
Winnie was without a doubt one of my all time favorite pets – the favorite. I have owned 2 horses, 12 dogs, 4 cats, 1 duck, 2 hamsters, more bunnies than can be counted, a few turtles,snakes, lots of fish, and a little lamb for a day. I had a cow or two named after me at the family farm and have delivered umpteen new borns for many, but none held the place in my heart as Winnie. She was the matriarch of the pets. She was there growing up and a key tool in teaching the kids to love. She was with me through almost the entire time I have been ill with Lupus; she layed in bed with me through many illnesses, surgeries, and dark days; in her own way she cared for me through them all. She does indeed hold that spot in my heart of “the most special pet” and I really miss her. Andy may not believe animals are in heaven, but I still do. After all, the Lord has to get that horse from somewhere. Speaking of horses and getting back on, hummmm….. great point.