Something hit me pretty hard this week as I began to look through photos on my phone and noticed a big change in our dear doggie, Max.
For the past two years, we’ve been saying “I wonder if this will be Max’s last year” (not dramatic at all, we know). Our Max is almost 12 1/2 years old, which is a pretty ripe age we’re told for a larger golden retriever/yellow lab mix, and he just seemed tired all the time. Although he wanted to be with us, he just didn’t have the same energy anymore. His hearing is gone, his eyesight isn’t great, etc. and we just thought he was fading. We were usually gone most of the day with work and school, would come home, take him for a quick walk, eat dinner, and then we were usually off for some game or other activity. It wasn’t unusual for me to be home first and see him lying like this in our room (oblivious we were even home).
Then came COVID-19. Mom was home all day. Dad was home all day. Even Sam was back in the house! Grace and Caleb too. All day. All night. Max was suddenly surrounded by his people. Boy, was there a change. And if you were wondering? Yes, dogs can smile.
Suddenly, our “old, he always sleeps” Max was surrounded by those he loved, showered with attention and simply, our presence.
There were photo shoots:
Dress-up days courtesy of his favorite children:
Campfires (and yes, he licked the graham cracker):
Movie nights (where we watch the movie and Max watches his favorite people watch a movie):
And lots of love and hugs:
The big change I noticed? Max amazingly enough is up ALL day long now! His slow walks now involve our “old” doggie pulling us on the leash to pick up the speed. He grabs his toys to play. He chases the kids around the house. He follows me LITERALLY wherever I go. What was the magic pill? A new medicine? Super doggie vitamins?
Community.
Max has people around to love. He has people around that love him.
Community.
I couldn’t help but think of my parents when our three kids join them for their annual summer trips to their home (trips and traditions that even college kids miss work and friends to attend). It’s basically days of my parents spending hundreds of dollars (they don’t have) treating our children to experiences and memories they will never forget. My parents go from sitting on couches and their daily routine to activities and excitement all day long. Are they tired? You bet! Do their bodies hurt? Oh they let us know! 🙂 They also say it’s the most alive they feel all year.
Community. Love.
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms…If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ”.
1 Peter 4:8-11
I miss my church community. I miss my friends. I miss hugging your kiddos on Sunday. But what really hit me is how much I truly missed on my normal busy, pre-COVID days. Why don’t we visit our parents more often? They are only 2 hours away. How many games do we attend each year for our kids that are at least that distance? Am I really too busy to have lunches with friends more often? To make a phone call? To check in on a neighbor? God has opened my eyes more these last weeks to people who are lonely, who need a visit, a friend. I am convicted. I am disappointed in my actions (and lack thereof). I know how much cards in the mail, texts, and phone calls have picked up my spirit in these past few weeks and I’m surrounded by a family that loves me (most days).
Community is life-giving and essential and I look forward to the day we can all be together again. We’re better together than we are alone (Romans 12:4-5). However, just like Max became a wonder puppy again with some love and presence, help me, challenge me, and remind me of Jesus and and His time-management style (God and people first). I have 168 hours each week, the same amount of time as everyone else. The real question is, “How will I use it?”
Lori