Rescuer or rescued?



            Each morning I have a container of yogurt with my breakfast and when I finish my dog, Elsa, is waiting expectantly to lick the container clean of any remnant. I give her the container, believing myself to be a magnanimous benefactor, spoiling my dog. Lately, I wonder if she views it same way. Perhaps her perspective is that it is her job to clean up after me and that without her I would be hopelessly lost.
            I suppose there is a grain of truth in both perspectives. Because, truth be told, I would be a bit lost without my Elsa. She is always here for me, she waits up for me or my daughter when we are out late. She welcomes me home to an otherwise empty house with enthusiasm. She alerts me to otherwise unannounced visitors. She encourages me to get out and get moving. She brings humor to my days. And me, I give her treats, water, food, car rides and when the weather is good a run.
            Elsa is known as a “rescue” dog; meaning, I got her from the local animal shelter. We have had a few issues, she is not other dog friendly which has cost me a few vet bills. However, in many ways, Elsa has rescued me. She reminds me that there is good in the world, not everyone is a cynic. Her motives are clear, love and food are all that she requires. She is my companion and a gift from God.
            She has no concerns about mortgages and bills or appearances. She reminds me daily that God provides. I know he does, always has. Often, in ways I would not choose but he does provide. When my faith lags or my trust wavers; I look as Elsa who trusts me, an imperfect person and remember that who I trust, is perfect.
            Matthew 6: 25-27  “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
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