Tomorrow I will see a dear dog that has terminal lymphoma. She has been doing wonderfully, but last visit saw a decline, and I advised her sweet pet-parents that the time was coming near to say “good-bye”. I don’t know if it will be this week, next month or if she will suddenly rally and do well for several more months, but at some point, the inevitable will happen.
The pet-parents have done so much for her… yet in their eyes I see the searching question of whether there is more they should do. It reminds me of the tale of fish and loaves that Jesus fed to the multitudes.
Mark 6:41-42 (NIV) “41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied,”
How often do we as parents wonder if we have enough to give to our dependent pets, much less to others in our lives be they relatives, friends or loved ones? So often we cringe at thinking that we are inadequate or our resources and spiritual strengths are insufficient to sustain ourselves and those we love. This simple tale speaks to me, advising me that we are given the skills, strengths, and resources that we need- no more, no less. If you are in a position where you are wondering if you have done enough, or should do more, or confused about how much to do for your friend, I suggest you think of how Jesus was able to feed the masses with simple loaves of bread and two little fish. He fed them from his heart. And they were satisfied. Do not agonize over what you can or cannot do. Bless your loved one with what you have and give them your love and support, and when the time comes that there is nothing left to give, know that giving everlasting peace is the greatest gift of all.
