As of 5pm local Nairobi time, our "family" grew by two additional family members. No, we have not fallen off the really deep end. But we are very excited, especially the children, to announce the addition of Calvin and Suzie to our clan.
Calvin is a 5 month old black and light brown puppy; he is a mixed breed. Suzie is a 3 year old black and light tan wired terrier. One of the first questions the children asked almost 2 years ago when we told them we were going to Kenya was "can we get a dog when we get there?" That promise was fulfilled today.
Bringing the dogs home from the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals (KSPCA), I started thinking about the gift of adoption. These two dogs were chosen today not based on their merit, pedigree, or financial potential. They were chosen because when the children (and parents) saw them, they were drawn to the dogs. A special bond developed right away, even before the dogs knew what was happening. And as we drove away from the "pound", they were given a new life. They were no longer under the constant threat of death by euthanasia. They were being given a new home. They were going to be loved no matter what messes they get into in the coming days.
Our salvation is even better than that. As mutts we deserve death. We have no merit, no pedigree, no gifts that can purchase our salvation. But God in His grace and love rescues us. He gives us new life. He gives us a new home. He gives us faithful and constant love even when we sin.
Now if that good news doesn't make you wag your tail, I am not sure what will.
God also hits us on the nose with a rolled up newspaper when we deserve it.
Posted by: Rob T. | December 30, 2004 at 10:16 PM