Isn't this one of the cutest puppy faces you've seen in a while? This is Rocky, our Grandpup # 4. He lives just down the street and comes to stay with us during the day while his 'parents' work and his 'sisters' are at school. On some days, it is only his cuteness that makes us want to take care of him. After all, he IS a puppy ... which means 'a big dog in training'. At least that's how I see it.

Over all he's a joy to have around ... he sleeps a lot and will follow us around just to lie at our feet. Otherwise he prefers being next to us on the couch. His accidents are few and I'm grateful for that. But he's learning the joys of running around the back yard and refuses to come to us when he's called. We'll keep working on that.

I was grateful he was here today. My husband was out so it was just Rocky & me. I received an upsetting phone call and found myself wondering "what next? what now?" I came upstairs for just a bit and left Rocky downstairs. When I went back down he was sitting in our front room with the strangest expression on his face ... he looked kind of lost, if that's possible. When he saw me, he came and stood right in front of me as I sat on the bottom stair. I realized he might have thought I was gone and I began to pet him and told him "I'm here, I won't leave you. I love you". Somehow I firmly believe our pets know what we're saying and can pick up on our emotions.

As I continued telling him that, and then hugging him as he nestled closer to me, I sensed the Lord saying that very thing to me "I'm here, I won't leave you. I love you". And then tears came and my concern about the phone call lessened just a bit.

I walked into the kitchen a few minutes later and sure enough, Rocky followed and laid at my feet on the rug where I was standing. I then thought "he's perfectly content just being at my feet" ... and then I realized that was a perfect place for me to be today .... at the feet of Jesus, resting in the knowledge He knew about the upsetting phone call and He will see me through this.

He has seen me through so much and He will see me through whatever today or tomorrow or the next day will hold. All I must do is rest in Him. Tell Him what He already knows and rest in His providence and care.

I am thankful for Rocky and the lessons I'm learning through this little pup. Thankful that God teaches us in ways we can fully understand. Thankful that He loves me in spite of me and that He will never leave me nor forsake me. When I am afraid, I will trust in Thee....