DAY 7: Dog Mom

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dennisa Bumgardner, Co-Lead Pastor at at Elevate Community Church, Honolulu, Hawaii. Loving wife and mother of 2 awesome kiddos and new to the dog mom world. 

BIBLE VERSE:

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

APPLICATION:

Can I make a confession?  So I used to be extremely judgmental of dog moms. I thought it was hilarious and extreme to walk your dog in a stroller or dress him up in clothes. Although adorable, it seemed outrageous to give your dog that much attention. Then by some miracle, I became the very thing I mocked. I’m tracing my steps to figure out how it all happened.  I know you’re probably thinking, “Why on earth would you get a dog in the first place?” Welp, that was my first mistake. 

Allow me to explain. You see, my son is the kind of kid who starts planning his birthday (for the following year) the day after his birthday. When he learned that he couldn’t have friends over or celebrate his birthday the way he planned because of COVID-19, he was devastated, as you can imagine.  We felt bad, so we might’ve overcompensated by getting him a dog.  After all, he’d been begging for one for years.  I was very defiant in the discussion with my husband, insisting that if we got this dog, I would not assume any responsibilities let alone care for it. My husband did the searching, the bidding, and after much deliberation he came home with the perfect puppy.  Here’s the funny part: the minute we locked eyes, I guess you could say, it was puppy love-at-first-sight. He quickly became an emotional support dog through this crazy pandemic. He likes naps, short walks and is a homebody (he’s basically my twin in dog form).  Yeah, I guess you could say things are getting pretty serious, I’ve begun Google searches on this year’s halloween costume and there’s no going back. 

It makes me think of how God is with us. In fact, Jesus says, “you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” or in this case, a 10 pound Shih Tzu. God loves us and cares about the details of our lives.  He knows the numbers of hairs on our heads and even the ones turning grey.    

Friend, if you’re anything like me, you are having a hard time coping through this pandemic.  Can I encourage you for a moment.  God sees you and He cares for you.  The things that cause you to worry are very much on His radar. He is mindful of what you need even if you are reluctant to receive it.  Give your worries to Him and watch as He lightens your heart.  Go ahead, let Him into the details of your life.

PRAYER:

Jesus, thanks for caring so deeply for the details of our lives.  Thank You for knowing us and for wanting us.  I pray for the person reading this, may they find comfort in this season of chaos.  Will You send them the very thing they need to make it through this pandemic? Will You show up in their lives in both big and small gestures to communicate Your love to them? Thank You for caring for the sparrows, and thank You for caring for us!