Lake Deaton at Home

Thursday, December 9, 2021

Witness: Lisa Clauson

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21

Weekly Theme: Peace

“Keep your mind on things above”…

“Lay up treasures in heaven”…

I enjoyed my house being clean, new bookcases, pretty furniture – all the ’stuff’ of life. Then, along came five muddy, dirty, wormy puppies. Shivering in the snow in a chicken pen, herding the goats, and annoying the farmers – these unwanted little ones made a long trek down to Florida and into my car. Everyone got warmed up, bathed (the car too!) and fed, trapped safely in the master bathroom. They had a blast playing in the mud and rain the next day, and three of them moved on to other foster homes.

I was used to puppies and toddlers. Shenanigans & Wookie were on another level – opening locked doors, eating furniture, leaving no bit of kitchen utensil, pan, or potholder unscathed. Headphones, shoes, crown molding, carpet, doors, game controllers, and more all fell prey to their destruction. 

Then, they started fighting each other. Stitches, vet visits, lots of quarantining, and tears. Shenanigans has the sweetest heart – nobody else would look past the menacing front he put on and see the sweet, scared puppy underneath. I couldn’t give up on him, but something had to change. Deemed ‘unadoptable,’ we set out on strict training, keeping him leashed to me constantly, being attuned to the little twitch of the ears or tail, teaching him how to deal with his fear and anger appropriately. We bonded, and he finally decided to listen (only to me, much to the dismay of my husband and son!). He was home and finally knew safety and love. 

We adopted both him and his brother, Wookie – treasuring both them and the lessons God taught us through them, that all that stuff doesn’t matter. They are now eight years old and every day with them is an adventure!

Daily Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, please keep me focused on what is truly important today.

Discussion/Reflection Questions:

1. What has God used to focus your life on what really matters?
2. While there was a deep understanding that I reached with every detail of my dog’s behavior, God has an even greater one with each of us – and wants us to have that with Him! How can you reach a deeper understanding of God today?
3. What are a few ways that you can focus on heavenly things today?