The gift that keeps on giving

 ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ‘ Matthew 5:7

We were first introduced to the Mastiff Rescue program several years ago, following the very difficult loss of a dear companion, Strider—a two year old, 175lb male English Mastiff.  Our hearts were broken and we were hesitant to even get another dog for a while.  It happened that in our investigating Mastiff breeders in the area, we met one of the state-wide coordinators for Great Lakes Mastiff Rescue.  We met some of her foster pups, and my heart was broken open by the need and the strength of these beautiful critters.  I remember telling her that we’d be open to a rescue dog, but simply not a puppy.  It seemed a safe thing to say, as rescue puppies are pretty rare.

A month later, I received a phone call from Indiana.  It was the Indiana state coordinator for Mastiff rescue, and we’d been recommended as a family for a very special dog.  A mother Mastiff had come in the day before delivering 13 puppies. She was emaciated, and fortunate that she had been found by the rescue people, as they believed she had been part of a backyard puppy-mill, and had endured too many litters at a young age.  Her growth was stunted, and her body had given all it could for the puppies.  She was unable to produce milk and was in great health difficulties. The volunteers hand-fed the 13 puppies themselves (ie- fed some very big, very fast growing pups around the clock!!).  Of course, I said, we’d be happy to meet the mother and consider adopting her,  but no—they had a home for her…they needed a good home for the puppies.  Would we come and see and adopt one?

Because of difficulties with Strider from an early age, I felt quite worthless as a puppy raiser, and yet the need was great.  Placing 13 puppies into homes that were familiar with Mastiffs, and would keep and care for them well…that was quite a need.  We took the risk and adopted our lovely Peachy girl.  Three months later, we received word that the Ohio state-wide person had puppies from a litter from one of her champion dogs, but the pup was a runt that almost died. She was tiny, loving, and no one knew just how she would grow up.  And Miss Peanut became part of our home.  Now three years later, these gorgeous 160 lb. girls grace our home and fill our lives with laughter, love and joy (and snoring and drool, if you’re familiar with the breed ;-) 

In speaking with someone about rescue dogs, I remembered the line from the movie “Pretty Woman”  where Edward asks, “What happens after the prince rescues her?” and Vivian replies “She rescues him right back!”   We ‘officially’ rescued the girls, but Peaches and Peanut rescued us right back, as they helped restore our confidence in caring for such amazing animals. 

One of the lies that Chronic Illness can make us try to believe is the lie that we are worthless. Because we are no longer able to do what we did before, society and often times our own minds, can convince us that we have nothing to give. 

That is hogwash. As I’ve been reflecting for the past month here, although we are affected by many different conditions, and we have differing abilities and different experiences, every one of us has value and has something important and vital to give.  When we are able to focus outside of ourselves and show mercy to another person, or to another creature—whether that be a plant or an animal—something special happens for us as well.  We are strengthened, and we receive something right back.  As Jesus said much more simply, blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.

There are people and animals and living things of all kinds that need what we have to offer, whether that is a kind word, or a warm house and proper pet food, or a listening ear and encouragement…you have gifts, and they are gifts that the world needs you to share. Right now.  Don’t believe the lies of illness—who you are is valuable, and in fact, may be more sensitive and merciful because of the challenges you’ve faced.

What has been tugging on your heart?  Is there a person who has been coming to your mind that you are compelled to call?  Is there a cause that you’ve been meaning to support?  Is there something you’ve seen that has stirred mercy in you?  As you are able today, I encourage us all to reach out in mercy for someone or something else. What we will receive in return will be great. 

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go buy dog food.  We go through a bit of it now, you see, and there are two beautiful, fuzzy faces depending on me. J

Dear Lord, just as we depend upon others to help us, allow us to see that there are other people and creatures that need help and mercy. Help open our hearts so that we can love and support others, and in return receive the joy of having others depend upon us.  Help us receive mercy, even as we share it with the world.  Amen.