What a friend we have in Jesus!

Today so far has been a great day. It's beautifully sunshiny outside and not too hot yet here in the desert. But it's getting there! I have a great furry friend here on earth. His name is " Sparky". I should have named him Slowpoke or something milder , because he is a real trip. He was born in the land of Schnauzers, and lately during the colder months I just let his coat grow. Well it grew, and grew and grew. Their coat is real peculiar...you can brush and brush, but two minutes later its all krinkly and twisty looking. But I love his krinkly look a lot better that the Schnauzer cut. He looks more soft and cuddly....just more friendly and cozy somehow. Well, this morning I took him to the groomer and she, having raised Schnauzers, advised me just to shave him all over for the warmer weather. I really didn't want anything so severe, but figured it will grow out eventually. At any rate I went to my meeting at church with the ladies and my daughter picked Sparky up for me and took him home. When I got home I was absolutely shocked,after having this ball of fur for months before. My heart sank, I felt like crying really, where was my cozy, furry , friend. Ok...so he looks messy that way, but I like it! The thing that touched me more that anything was his demeanor when I got home. He's always there jumping and barking to greet me, but this morning I really believe he was letting me have a piece of his dog mind. I didn't think he'd ever stop for awhile. I can't explain it, but the barking was different than when he is excited, and his expressions from his eyes....don't know about you but I really believe they're a whole lot smarter that we give them credit for. At any rate I began reflecting on how like Sparky I have felt before in my life. When I had been going along doing my own thing and being tolerated we might say and then one day the Lord says " OK that's enough of that judgemental attitude, or lack of compassion, or getting a little too friendly with the world etc. And somehow through His Word,He gives me "A DO" as they say these days. Right down to the bare bones cutting away all that mental wool that I've let accumulate spiritually in my life. When I'm getting reconciled with what He's doing, I'm certain that my demeanor reflects my shame and embarrasement at the attitude I had exhibited. Sparky kept looking straight at me and I felt I could read his mind saying..." Isn't this awful....are you still going to love me.....will you still cook me those great meals you do....I know I'm awful to look at right now....but please ....PLEASE....love me. Unlike me, Sparky really didn't do one thing to merit the embarrasement and shaving he went through, but somehow I think he sensed my disappointment and sadness over his new look...and who knows...maybe realizes that he looks a lot different as well. I sat down and he jumped up into my lap and with those gorgeous questioning eyes of his...I could hear his question...are we ok after this...still pals, you're still going to take care of me right??? I said Oh, Sparky, I love you,you are so precious to me...and I think I saw alight come into those eyes. And I am so thinkful that my Lord assures me as well in those "shaving" times...Pat, I love you, you are precious to me. Aren't we the lucky ducks to have such a friend in Jesus?!