Personal Profundities

I just reviewed my profile.  I realized that I had to add another year to my age - bummer, but I guess getting older beats the alternative!  I noticed that my profile included a statement about my dog, Cody.  Well, I had to make a tough decision the other day.  I decided that Cody's time was coming to an end.  So, I took him to the Vet for euthanasia .  Man, that was one sad day.  Cody had been a wonderful pet for over 14 years.  He loved us, my wife and I, and we loved him.  As he grew older, he just didn't slow down.  We called him our old puppy.  But, this past summer, Cody's health began to decline.  The last few months have been sad as we watched him decline and knowing that an even sadder day was quickly approaching. Cody was cremated and his remains are buried in a capsule in our backyard.  We miss him.

Recently, I have had quite a hard time.  I became terribly sick, had other health problems, and some financial tightness.  This was a very painful time.  In contrast, just before all that, I was very comfortable - health was impeccable, finances no concern at all.  All this makes me realize just how close calamity really is.  We grow comfortable and confident that such problems are far removed from us.  We cannot even accurately relate to such problems and hardships.  We begin to feel all but bullet proof.  But not so, the line between ease and discomfort is razor thin and we live so so close to that line.  I have a whole new perspective.  I realize that my life is right at that thin line.  I have a new appreciation for health, wealth and ease.  I am more compassionate toward those who are in hardship.  I now pray for others with more fervor and sincerity.  I know that my life is truly in the hands of God and dependent on His grace and mercy.  I value the prayers of others as priceless, and the compassion of close friends with incomparable worth.  May God bless me richly as I now know that without Him, its all up to me. And, I am not able to control all, if any, factors of my life.