As always, God knows my every need. He hears each tear that falls. He knows how frail my heart is, the pain I'm in. He, indeed, knows me all too well.
I'd spent the past couple of hours in my bathroom, curled up by "Jon," and was in desperate need of some fresh air. As soon as Mom came home from work, she agreed to accompany me on a bike ride through our neighborhood. She had just purchased a bubblegum pink one speed bicycle and was eager to try it out. She looked just like a school girl pedaling down the road, and my spirits were already lifting.
As we continued traveling down a county road, we saw a dog off in the distance. When we approached, we saw that it was a German Shepherd, sprinkled with some other breed. She was a puppy, small, frail, and bony. She also had a wound tracing her backbone. Despite her harsh condition, her sweet, flop-eared face seemed to smile at us.
God knows me all too well. Last summer, when I felt overwhelmed by my illness, God, without warning, sent five kittens to me. The mother gave birth in our hallway and I kept her and the babies in a box under my bed. I would cuddle them when I was ill. I kept one kitten, Rascal, who was the most defective of them all, with her numb of a tail. She knows about my condition and lays by my side nearly every time I throw up. That was God.
God knows that when I'm down, I need to focus my energy in something. Children and animals speak to me the most. School's out, so God had to choose the latter. Seeing the puppy starving, I immediately could relate. I didn't have to ask permission to bring her home, Mom knew what I wanted. I named her Naomi, for "my people shall be her people."
Naomi has eaten a good meal, and has had plenty to drink. She's safe and loved. She's a gift to me from God. God wanted me to know that even though I am sick and suffering, there is hope for me. Even though Naomi has been dealt a bad hand, she wags her tail and hopes for the best. I was reminded that I need to persevere, and never lose hope. Even though she is sick now, Naomi will get better. I am thankful to God for sending me Naomi, she's just the encouragement I needed. When I'm feeling sick, I can focus on getting Naomi better. Thank you, God, for knowing me and listening to my prayers. You know just how to keep me on my feet!
Note: Upon further review, it had been noted that Naomi is not a girl, but a boy instead. His name is Raylan, and he is an official member of the Collier household. He is doing much better, though he may have a scar on his back reminding both us & him the situation from which God delivered him.
