After years of getting in the car, driving off and leaving things behind that mean a lot to me, you'd think it'd get easier with time. Well, guess what, normally the feelings are the same. There’s an ache inside my heart that Advil will not tend to, and this trip out was none the easier.
In preparation for this journey, not only were we going without our beloved trailer, but we also had to leave Sir William behind. For those of you who don’t know him, Sir William (also known as Will) is a Schnauzer who has been a part of our family for three years. So, I packed Sir William, along with his kennel, dog bowl, favorite blanket, and yard fence, and off to Maw’s house we went. As I walked away, both Sir William and myself were left broken hearted.
I should never be dismayed when things like this happen, because I know that... “…all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)
In less than a day, Maw (my Mom) calls saying, “This dog will not eat. What am I to do?” I instructed Maw that the best way to encourage him to eat was by putting his dog bowl by her potty, and as she sits there doing her “duty”, he will eat. Sure enough, it worked and with a happy belly, Will is at Maw’s service 100%.
Now, Will is a lover of any animal that hops, flies or scampers by his little sniffer. So he begins to set guard at Maw’s washer. Once again I get the call, “What am I to do? Will is keeping his nose behind my washer and will not leave.”
I replied, “Well, Mom, there must be something back there he wants. There has to be some type of critter.”
Maw begins her investigation, armed with flashlight in hand. Hearing a faint noise in her dryer vent she calls over Team McDonald to further investigate. To their amazement, they find a bird nest with 5 eggs packed securely in her dryer vent!
So, had I not been willing to leave my lap warmer behind, and if Mom had not unselfishly agreed to dog-sit, her home could have been destroyed by fire by one little bitty mama bird and her babies!
God watches over us and sometimes uses our broken hearts to help others.
In times that I must sacrifice to do the will of God, He will always use it for our good.
Upon my happy return home.
