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When a Pet Dies

We just lost a very important member of our family, our sweet golden lab, Goldie.

Mr. Rogers’ When a Pet Dies (A Mister Rogers’ First Experiences) is a helpful book if your family ever experiences this.

Proverbs 12:10 says “The godly are concerned for the welfare of their animals.” My dear husband  spent almost $4000 trying to stop her suffering, but early this morning around 1:30 am we knew we had to take her in and say goodbye to her.  This was the hardest thing we have ever done.  Everyone but Jenny got to give her one last hug .  Jenny has made a wonderful video tribute to Goldie.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gx0eF1yG7A

We prayed earnestly for God to heal Goldie, but He had a reason to handle the situation another way.  I know that one day we will be able to comfort someone in our situation.  “God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” (2 Cor. 1:4)

“Why love, if losing hurts so much? …The pain now is part of the happiness then. That’s the deal.” C.S. Lewis (Shadowlands)

“The living God gives us  all things to enjoy.”  (1 Tim. 6:17) Thank you, God, for giving us  12 years of  joy with Goldie.

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Teaching Honesty

Honesty is “being careful of what you say and do so others can trust you”.  As usual God is our example.  Many times in Scripture God says, “I have said it; I will perform it.”  Hebrews 10:23 says “Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”

We are encouraged throughout Scripture to be honest:

Proverbs 11:1  The Lord hates cheating, but he delights in honesty.
2 Chron. 18:15  … say nothing but the truth in the name of the Lord
Ephes. 4:15  …speaking the truth in love…

In teaching our children honesty, we must be an example to them.  Always do what you say you will do.  If you make a promise, keep it; and never make a threat in disciplining that you can not follow through with if they disobey (example: I will throw you out the window if you scream one more time)  Children need the security of knowing they can trust Mom and Dad.  A child’s healthy relationship with his parents paves the way for a healthy relationship with God.  We are God’s representative to them and need to show them they can trust us and Him.

Tell your children stories of men and women in history who told the truth and those that didn’t and suffered the consequences.  Here are a few book or website suggestions:

Who Can Trust You, Kangaroo? (Sweet Pickles Series)
Abe’s Honest Words: The Life of Abraham Lincoln
The Son Who Said He Wouldn’t (Arch Books)
George Washington and the Cherry Tree

The following is a song with signing about honesty:

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