For the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given. —2 Corinthians 1:11
It was a wonderful Easter. Morning worship at our son Patrick’s church in Texas featured an excellent choir and inspiring sermon. Our daughter-in-law Patricia prepared a veritable feast for dinner.
Our traditional family egg hunt—held indoors because of spring snowflakes—ended with only two children in tears, and they were soon comforted. Then my husband Don said, “We need to head home, so we can stop in Amarillo and get Penney’s Easter surprise.”
I looked at Don, then at my smiling children and grandchildren. My heart dropped to my toes. Without thinking I blurted out, “Not a dog! It better not be a dog! The last thing I want or need is something else to take care of.”
Shock, hurt and dismay registered on every face. I tried to backtrack but, of course, I couldn’t undo the damage. Finally Don said, “Will you at least look at her?”
I agreed, and Patrick found an old cat carrier for us, “just in case.” You can guess what happened: I met a fat, wiggly ball of fur and promptly fell in love with Tarby, a golden chow.
Is she something else to care for? Oh yes. She has to be fed, watered, groomed, walked, and trained. Is she worth it? Absolutely. Her wagging tail and yips of “hello” never fail to lift my spirits. She’s always ready to walk along with me or sit silently beside me. If I go away, whether for an hour or a week, she joyously welcomes me home.
The gift I didn’t want turned out to be the next-to-best Easter surprise ever.
Gracious God, thank You for giving all of us the most precious Easter gift of all in the resurrection of Your only Son, Jesus the Christ.
