Nature’s Teachings

It's quite intriguing how much we can learn from observing the world around us. 

​To make matters worse, the veterinarian believed that she would never wag her tail again and if her condition worsened she would lose the ability to walk. I don't believe anyone cried as much as grandma did. She was broken and wracked with guilt, despite it being an accident. During this time, however, I noticed that my grandmother never ceased to pray. I would be lying if I said I didn’t find this a bit odd, but I had forgotten a sacred rule: Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” And that is what she did, and most importantly she asked others to do the same. Grandma prayed daily for Lulu’s healing despite the diagnosis. She knew who had the ultimate say and as such, she held unto the garment of hope and faith. 

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I remember the day my dog’s tail was trampled by my grandmother’s car.   I recall the yelp of pain Lulu emitted and the look of horror etched on grandma's face. I had never seen a more horrific sight. Despite being immediately rushed to the vet and treated, Lulu just wasn't the same. We no longer had our playful little pup who would greet us at the door, we longed for the pup who ate anything but the food recommended for dogs, the dog that peed herself with excitement whenever we arrived home, we longed for the old Lulu. What we did have, however, was a despondent dog who was physically hurt. Maybe it was the medication or maybe she had lost her spirit, but we missed her aura of happiness and tranquility. We missed our dog who saw the world as simply black and white, not red. 

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Was Lulu healed immediately? No, it took weeks and with each small victory came a nerve-wracking loss.

At first, we saw Lulu make small strides across the patio. We were relieved, excited and hopeful, but then she acquired an infection that caused her to bleed. After another trip to the veterinarian for antibiotics, all was well for two days until Lulu was unable to control when and where she excreted. At this point, most of us would give up and desist in prayer as clearly, Lulu was never going to be the same. However, we never lost hope. 

I believe that this is the time when God comes through for us; after testing our character.

I watched in awe as my grandmother continued to pray and care for Lulu despite the frustrations and, with time, she was healed, not partially but completely healed. Lulu’s tail wagged with vigour, the infection was cured and she began walking, running and excreting on her own. Do you believe in miracles? No one could deny it then. Dare I say Lulu is in better shape than before!

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The best part of her recovery was that she did not resent my grandmother. She continued to run to the gate when the car approached and would wait eagerly to greet her. I remember thinking just how much the dog trusted my grandmother despite what happened. Can you believe it? A dog demonstrated forgiveness by continuing to show love to my grandmother as if nothing had changed. I look back at this moment and ponder whether I would have done the same? 

Would I be able to show forgiveness? Sincere forgiveness at that, without malice, slander or distrust? This example of forgiveness reminded me of how God forgives us once we repent (Isaiah 43:25 “I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”). We obtain a clean slate with our sins completely erased. Let us choose today, tomorrow and the rest of our lives to forgive those who have hurt us, just as we seek God's forgiveness. ​

SAMANTHA ELLIS

​Samantha Ellis is the head of our Blog Department here at God's Crown. She is also one of our blog writers and a devoted Christian. She is a proud member of the Baptist denomination. Her favourite bible verse is Isaiah 41:10 (KJV), "Fear thou not; for I am with thee not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."