God Can Even Use Jerks - More Lessons From a Dog

I am sure glad Ragnar, the granddog, was with us this Christmas. Not only was it the first Christmas without any kids home, but just as I pulled the turkey out of the oven, the hubster reeled out of the bedroom, said he was very sick, and there would be no Christmas dinner for him.

Feeling a little sorry for myself, I made a plate of the luscious Christmas feast, and sat down at the dining room table alone. As I was eating, I reread a series of text messages I had exchanged with the boyfriend of one of the moms I work with who chose life over abortion. I have been friends with this couple for a year and a half now, and through Cities4Life have helped them quite a bit. However, while they claim to want to follow God, there are some pretty major areas they are not. Lately, it has been on my heart to discuss that more strongly with them because there are struggling, and I believe these particular struggles are directly related to how obediently they are walking with God.

Surprisingly, the young man listened to my strong words, and in the end thanked me. During the course of our exchange, he mentioned that there are times they don't eat because there is no money for food. I was determined to make my spiritual point, and glossed over that section.

However, now as I ate my sumptuous Christmas feast, that portion of our discussion returned to me. It suddenly occurred to me that they might not have food. I texted him instantly to ask if they had a Christmas dinner.

Not really.

All the stores are closed on Christmas. I could not run out and buy them food. I went to my freezer. There was enough there for a very good Christmas meal, including a pecan pie and some awesome appetizers. I didn't even finish my meal. Instead, I started filling a plastic bag with all the contents of my freezer. Sick hubby poked his head out and asked what I was up to. When I explained, he told me he'd received a Grocery Store gift card at work, and would add that to my collection.

Next I went to my pantry, throwing staples in from our overflowing abundance. I felt like crying. Here I had been on my self-righteous high horse about following God and this little family had nothing to eat. I had been near tears over poor pitiful me having to eat my Christmas feast alone when this little family had no Christmas feast at all.

As I drove, I thought about how God is forever challenging me, and I am forever falling short.  The words I spoke to the young father were true, and something he needed to hear...but did I have to do it on Christmas???? Jerk.

The little family greeted me as though I were Santa Claus. They hugged me, and let me cuddle the little baby that once they had considered aborting. The child is loved now beyond measure. I came bearing more gifts than just the food. Another wonderful friend, Valerie, had heard of the mama's need of a computer, and sent me one in the mail. I gave that to the mama, and she was overjoyed. Now she could finish a resume, and try to find work that would help them out of their difficult situation.

When I returned home, Ragnar was waiting for me. Hubby was still sleeping. Ragnar sensed I needed some love, and he gladly obliged.

It's okay, he told me. In the end, you did the right thing. You'll learn. I did. Notice I haven't pooped in your house even once since that first night and that wasn't my fault.
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Nehemiah 8:10New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Romans 5:20 

Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,