Sparrows, Puppies, and Pennies

For two days straight, my dog Rosco had non-stop diarrhea and bleeding in his stool. On the first night, I woke up every hour to walk him outside and clean his butt. The next day, I went to the animal clinic and spent about two hours waiting, then bought every medicine available for his condition. I’ve been home all day watching him, walking him, and cleaning him up. I went out to Publix to get chicken for him, and he pooped twice inside the apartment (on the hard wood floor, not the carpet: good boy). It wasn’t his fault.

It was all very exhausting and not all romantic like they show in those dog movies. But I’m reminded of an even bigger truth.

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

As much as I love my dog, I’m reminded that God loves us even infinitely more than that. We are worth way more than sparrows, puppies, and pennies. As much as I was willing to clean up my dog’s butt, spend money on him instantly, and sacrifice a night of sleep and an entire day to watch him: God is like this constantly, unconditionally, in the trenches with us even when we don’t want Him around.

God never sleeps. He sacrificed everything. And when we make a mess, He is willing to clean our dirty butts.

Here’s to God, our great caretaker.

— J