Restoring Tired Souls

Honeybun has been doing really well, wearing the soft brace that helps her weak muscles in her hips and back. She is doing so well, that yesterday we took her on two long walks. She probably put in 4 miles, which she hasn't done since we discovered the stenosis in her spine, and her troubles walking began. When I called her to dinner, she was walking fine, but I could tell she was tired. She lay down, and didn't want to get up to make it to her dinner bowl. So I placed it in front of her.
"Room service!" I laughed.
She splayed her front legs so I could place the bowl between them. While laying peacefully on the floor, she ate her dinner. She looked a little like a frog, ready for Biology dissection. I guess we better cut back a little on our mileage.

Meanwhile, I have friends with cancers that are still not quite knocked out. Friends struggling with joblessness, or too much work. Children with horrible diagnoses and parents trying to figure out how they will survive the heart ache. And then smaller but still wearisome, ever-present set backs, like my son Matt and his wife Karissa's "new" car breaking down AGAIN after leaving our house and only half way home. There are of course millions of examples of weary souls, working as hard as they can, doing their best, giving their full effort...and still coming up short. It would be so easy to lie down flat on our tummies, legs splayed like a frog, and just refuse to get up again.

But God never seems to advise that we just give up. He promises instead restoration, refreshment, and strength for the sad and tired. He doesn't say exactly how or when or what that will look like. He indicates that despite our discouragement and exhaustion, we are to keep fighting. But the fight is not against flesh and blood. It is a spiritual battle. We are to keep the faith. Failure, in His eyes, is not being pushed back by the world, but losing sight of God. If we can just keep our eyes on Him till they finally close to mortal existence, we will have succeeded.

After her splay legged dinner pose, Honeybun lapped up the last of her food, and then trotted happily back to her couch. I guess there are those times when all we really need is a respite and a good meal.

***************
I’ll refresh tired bodies; I’ll restore tired souls. (Jeremiah 31:25 MSG)

I am about to die. Give me life, as you have promised. I told you about my life, and you answered me. Teach me your demands. Help me understand your orders. Then I will think about your miracles. I am sad and tired. Make me strong again as you have promised. (Psalms 119:25-28 NCV)

-save a dog- hollowcreekfarm.org
http://www.amazon.com/Vicky-Kaseorg/e/B006XJ2DWU