A Love So Great

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:17-19, NKJV).

My father-in-law, Henry, loved dogs. Years ago, his original “dog plan” was to breed Rat Terriers as a business adventure (yes, ADventure). However, as the puppies were born, he became so attached to them he couldn’t bear to sell them. His brood grew to a frisky bunch of seven.

I have fond memories of watching him walk his dogs next to the cow pasture. With Henry leading the way, his little entourage followed him like the Pied Piper. Or, when he drove his “Mule” across the property, one of his bunch would proudly sit in the passenger seat—mouth open, tongue hanging, and ears blowing back in the breeze.

Henry also had a huge heart for homeless or unwanted dogs, whatever the size or breed. As each of the Rat Terriers eventually moved on to the “Happy Hunting Ground of Heaven,” a stray dog would, without fail, show up “on the doorstep.”

He found Smokey, abandoned and wandering, around a gas station pump. She stole Henry’s heart and became his constant companion for many years.

When the inevitable time came and she passed peacefully to join her former companions, my father-in-law was heartbroken. It is never easy to lose a loved one, be it human or animal, no matter what the age or reason.

It was a lonely drive as he traveled to the family farm for his monthly visit. He tried to steel himself as he passed every rest and potty stop that he and Smokey would frequent during that long trip.

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. “I can’t deal with this,” he cried. “Lord, You’re going to have to help me.” He drove on to the farm, parked his car, and wearily began to unload his things.

Suddenly, something caught his attention—a tiny figure next to the farmhouse door. He moved in for a closer inspection and discovered a lively little Chihuahua investigating the porch.

After inquiries to neighbors and local officials, it was apparent that this little guy was homeless … dumped on the County Road to fend for himself. Henry made him part of his family and named him Chico.

Chico proved to be a family project. Scared and defensive, no one could get close without him yelping. One day, my mother-in-law, Betty, was lying on the couch and her hand slipped to the ground … right next to Chico. A “Grrrrrrrr!” immediately resounded from somewhere under the coffee table—her hand pushing the boundaries of his comfort zone.

However, as Henry and Betty persevered in their patient care for this wary soul, Chico progressed from whimpering at them to whimpering for them when they were out of his sight.

The final feat was actually picking him up, which had not been a tolerable move until now. With heavy BBQ gloves to protect against defensive teeth, they crossed this last hurdle. But they needn’t have bothered with the gloves. Chico lay perfectly peaceful in their “armory” … no animosity, whatsoever, expressed.

He became Henry’s faithful companion, following him everywhere and sleeping next to him in a small, blanketed, cardboard box by the bed.

The Lord displayed His grace by bringing these lives together: one with a broken heart, the other abused and homeless. He knows that in this life we will go through trials and heartaches. But He promises, through Jesus, to deliver us out of them all in victory and with strength. His love is so great that He will reach out in answer to a simple prayer—even bringing an abandoned little dog to a man’s doorstep to help ease the pain of a loss.

As we embrace the holiday season, I’m in awe of the lengths God is willing to go to have a relationship with us. Like fiesty little Chico, we were abused by the enemy, lost, and hopeless. Our Creator chose to appear as a vulnerable child, born in a stinky feed trough, no less, with animals for roommates. He didn’t have to manifest Himself in this humble and simple fashion, yet He did as a powerful example of His love for us.

While celebrating the true meaning of this season, we can be encouraged that there is no boundary God won’t cross to meet us right where we’re at.

Shara Bueler Repka

Author: Shara Bueler-Repka is enjoying life as a singer/songwriter/ recording artist, freelance writer, award winning author, and everything in between. She lives with Bruce, her awesome husband of 22 years, in their living quarters horse trailer and calls “home” wherever their rig is parked.

Their mail base, however, is Hallettsville, Texas.

They share God’s Word through their music and testimonies (Pony Express Ministry) and minister with their horses (aka The Boys) in the backcountry. She loves writing about God’s grace in their various adventures on the trail less-traveled.

Join the fun and be encouraged on their website: ww.ponyexpressministry.com, her blog:

lifeonthetraillesstraveled.wordpress.com/, or come for a visit on Facebook.

Check out her book: Walk Like a Warrior: Inspirational True Stories of God’s Encouragement on the Trail-Less Traveled, available on Amazon, their website, and various other outlets. Their music is available on their website or wherever downloads are available.