"Dad! There's a dog in the back yard."
It was a few years ago during a sweltering
Summer day. It hadn't rained in weeks and the grass had started to turn
brown and die. I was sitting in front of my window air conditioner
trying to cool down a bit when my son called to me. I walked over to the
back door and looked outside. There sniffing around our back yard was
the dog. He didn't look in very good shape either. He was a mixed breed
with hound dog ears but was horribly underweight. I could see the skin
stretched tight over his ribs. He looked like he hadn't eaten in weeks.
I quickly grabbed two bowls and filled one
with dog food and the other with water. I walked out my door and called
to the poor pooch. He wagged his bony tail and walked over to me. I sat
down the two bowls and watched him devour the food and then drink the
water with equal gusto. I stretched my hand out and gently petted him on
the head for a minute. Then I realized that I had made a foolish
mistake: in my rush to bring him some food I had forgotten to bring out
a leash. I walked quickly back inside and got one, but by the time I
went back outside the dog was gone. I called and looked for him but
without success. All I could do was say a little prayer that this guy
would find his way back home again.
I never saw that dog again but I still think
about him from time to time. He reminds me of similar mistakes I have
made in my own life. Often I have gone to God with a hungry heart and
starving soul and been fed by His Love. Then as soon as I felt full and
strong again I would wander off and away from Him, only to end up in
worse shape than when I started.
God loves us all so much. But He won't put a
leash on us. If we want to live in His Love it will have to be by our
own choice. And if we choose to wander off He will let us go until we
want to come back home again. Don't make my mistakes then. Don't wait
until your soul is starving and your life is miserable before coming
home again. Welcome God's love into your heart today! Make your home
with Him Now! And carry that home within you wherever you journey in
this life.
Joseph J. Mazzella
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.