Consolation

Bodie, our Border collie-blue heeler-catahoula cowmutt, has more than his share of quirks and protective instincts which sometimes embarrass me—just ask the ditch rider and UPS drivers—but his intelligence and intuition always amaze me.

In the past months of increasing angst on the ranch, Bodie knew something was amiss. At night, he abandoned his usual bed on the loveseat and slept beside me on the floor. Actually, he didn’t seem to sleep any better than I did. Even when he and I were alone on the ranch, Bodie was as nervous as I, startling and barking at what seemed like nothing.

After I left the ranch, I went back a few times to get my goats and horse to safety. I would have thought that Bodie would be happy to be back on the ranch, and that he’d grab the chance to chase those rascally rabbits that hang around the barnyard. But no, he just lay under my vehicle, making certain that I didn’t leave him there. And when Bodie and I reached a safe place, he flopped down and slept soundly all night and most of the next day.

Even though I know the Lord has been with me these past dark days, I thank Him for giving me Bodie for tangible consolation!

“In the multitude of my anxious thoughts within me, Your comforts cheer and delight my soul.” –PSALM 97:19 (AMP)