Peek-a-poo dogs

I'm convinced that God must know how to smile, maybe even laugh right out
loud. I think that's one of the reasons he gave us puppies.

I enjoy snow, even though I view it with the realization that there is
always work connected with it, shoveling, etc. I think it is wonderful to
look at and thoroughly enjoy its beauty, in fact this morning Melody and I
enjoyed a beautiful sunrise over the snow covered countryside.

This week we had an unusually deep snow for us and our little, black
Peek-a-poo dog had to struggle to get through it. It brought back memories
of her and her experience with her first snow.

I remember very clearly that as she went outside, we watched curiously as
she ventured out into snow for the first time. At first somewhat tentatively
putting down her feet, but after about ten minutes she decided that she
loved it. She began bounding around in the deepest snowdrifts she could find
and in moments she was completely covered with snow. All we could do is just
laugh at her sheer joy in discovering snow.

When was the last time you had that much-uninhibited joy in life? When is
the last time you appreciated some gift of God as common as snow? When is
the last time your heart was so filled with joy that you bounced up and down
with enthusiasm? When was the last time you counted your blessings?

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always:
and again I say, rejoice." James 1:17 tells us, "Every good gift and every
perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with
whom there is no variation or shadow of turning."

Now you may not bounce around like a puppy (but then you might too), but
start today to try and appreciate some of the good things our God has given
us!

May God grant each of us the ability to find something to "rejoice" about
today.

Russ Lawson