UncategorizedShe’s Teaching Us A Lot May 8, 2012I’ve gotten several requests for some updated pictures of Gracie. I know I said sunroom pictures are coming and they are (hopefully later today or tomorrow), but I wanted to pop in and share some great pictures that my hubby took of her. She is growing every day. She looks so much bigger to me now, but as cute as ever… She makes me smile. We love her and just think she is so darn cute. But you’ll notice that the title of this post is not “Cutest Puppy Alive.” It’s “She’s Teaching Us A Lot.” Boy, is she ever. We knew taking on a puppy would be difficult and would require some sacrifice and change in routines on our part. I also assumed that it would be harder once we got her than I thought it would be. I was right. Don’t get me wrong, we love her. I already would not choose to go back to just the two of us if I was given that option. Most of the time, we are laughing our heads off at her – she really is funny. Then there are times, like the mornings for example. In the mornings, Gracie is the most active she is all day because she has just slept all night. We, on the other hand, are not. I didn’t realize how set in our own routines we are. We used to get up, drink some coffee, read our Bibles, spend some time waking up, get ready for work and head on our way. That doesn’t work so well anymore. From the minute you’re up, Gracie wants to play. Sometimes, I feel like I can hear her thoughts, “Why are you so tired? You slept all night! Play, play, play!” You really just have to laugh at it. But on certain days, we’ve realized that we become resentful, we lose patience, and we lose any ounce of joy we had that early in the morning. It hit me the other day that Gracie isn’t doing this to us. She is simply bringing out the bitterness and entitlement that was already in our hearts. I feel entitled to do what I would like in the morning without consideration for anyone else and I resent when that is taken away. Gosh, it hurts to say that out loud! But it’s so true. I’ve heard our pastor say that it’s one thing to be joyful, patient, and loving when things are going great. That’s when it’s easy to reflect Christ. It’s a whole different thing to remain that way when you have an obstacle. Gracie is not always an obstacle, but at times, she is. She’s another little being that needs attention and we’re having to get used to that. We’ve only had her two weeks, but she is already working some change in our hearts and that is exciting to see. A lot of people have told us that this is the best preparation for babies we could have. I have no doubt they’re right! Look at that face. It’s so easy to forget the difficulties when looking at her. I just want to squeeze her! I’m so thankful God brought her into our lives to love on and have fun with, but also to continue refining us and making us more like God calls us to be.
Lovey says May 8, 2012 at 1:18 pm I love that as I read your posts, I can hear your voice speaking the words in my mind. 🙂 That makes me smile. I love it when people write the way they speak. Thanks for doing that. 🙂 LL~ Reply
Samantha says May 9, 2012 at 7:45 am What great words you had to put the act of letting of joy be stolen. It is so true! It is a good reminder for all of us. Great inspiration. Reply
Ashley M says May 15, 2012 at 7:51 pm It is definitely tough! I had a friend who had a puppy and also had a new baby a year later and she said the puppy thing was much harder haha! She’ll settle down eventually don’t worry! And they definitely prepare you for parenthood. It also showed me what a great dad Adam will be one day so it makes me excited too. It has been so neat to watch him with Tucker, it gives me sweet glimpses into the future 🙂 We love Tucker so much he has definitely brought much joy and entertainment so I totally understand! can’t wait to see pictures as she grows! oh and totally awesome about The Lettered Cottage post what a great anniversary present!!! yay! Reply
Josey says May 18, 2012 at 10:13 pm Hi Lindsay – I have two boxers. I’ve had Tuckerman since he was 14 weeks old, and rescued Layla about 8 months later. When it was just me, Darrin (hubby) and Tuckerman we experienced that same feelings as you. Change is hard, but so worth it. I learned to make caring for Tuck my joy. I found myself feeling like Christmas morning, just so I could see him and play with him again. That was the norm, but I had exceptional days too. There were times I would be ready to head out for an errand, coffee with a friend, whatever – and Darrin would have a near panic attack “where are you going? How long will you be? When you’re gone Tuck won’t let me get anything done!” He needed/wanted constant attention and it became difficult. Then, while volunteering at a rescue, I got a call from my vet that a family was about to place Layla in a shelter because they were having a new baby. The vet staff asked if they could forward my info to the couple, and I was speaking with them that day. Layla was supposed to be a “weekend visitor” (aka temporary foster). By Sunday, on our way home from church, Darrin stated that there was no way he was giving her up. She was the best thing to happen to our little pack of 3! She kept Tuck busy for us, was the sweetest thing ever, and acted as if she’d been here all along. It’s been 4 years now – and we are still constantly learning from the two of them. We live by the motto: “God, make me the person my dog thinks I am.” I hope your Gracie continues to do that for you as well! Reply
Lindsay says May 21, 2012 at 10:57 am Hi Josey! Thank you so much for this, really. It means a lot to me and is exactly what we’re going through! It really does amaze me how they love you so unconditionally. We can definitely learn a lot from them! Reply