After Suffering Comes Joy

After Honeybun's laser treatment yesterday, we went to Arby's. I got her 3 chicken strips. She wolfed those down, and we headed to the Fort Mill River Run path along the Catawba River. She hates going to the vet, remembering the horrible awful things that have happened to her there. The laser treatments don't hurt, but she still trembles, and hides under my chair while we await her fate. So I try to make the aftermath full of joy so that she will connect the vet with wonderful things.

I put on her magical "Hip Hound" brace, and we went for a slow walk along the River. The river was high- completely obliterating some pieces of land that used to be islands. We walked at a leisurely pace so her hip would not hurt. She sniffed joyfully. Then we went down to the river edge, and she lay down in the water. It was a hot day. Her brace got soaked, but that was ok. It is washable. She looked at me, lying in the cool water, with a peaceful contented look on her face.
"I am glad you are happy," I told her, "After suffering, there should come joy."

I hate suffering. I hate to see it in my dog, in my children, in my family, in my friends, in my world. But suffering will end. And when it ends, God promises, ultimately, there will come joy. His promise is a cooling surge of clear water on a hot and weary soul.
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Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; (2 Timothy 2:8-11 NASB)

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 NASB)

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