good grief

A vet friend talked from his perspective about putting animals down. He thinks that people sometimes put it off too long because they want to spend more time with the animal they love. That is understandable, except that sometimes that means that the poor thing suffers a lot as it dies. I already knew from the bottom of my heart that it was time to say goodbye to Coco, but there was some comfort in hearing this from him. Euthanasia was the most humane option for my pet. Her daily suffering was obvious.

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The process was so peaceful. They gave us as much time as we wanted. When we were ready, they attached an IV. Then, while we were all in the room, saying our goodbyes, they injected an anesthetic into the IV. She felt a dreamy buzz, but only for a moment. The anesthetic quickly put her in la-la land, and she was completely oblivious to our presence. We said our very last goodbyes, and left the room as they put another solution into the IV.

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I honestly expected that I would be untouched by emotion through this. I never felt as close to this dog as to other pets we've had. But when I saw my family in tears, it tore me apart inside. I grieved in earnest because of their grieving.

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I have wondered what it's like to be with a person while the essence of life escapes and turns their body into a vacant shell. Last Friday reminded me that death is a profound mystery to me. Then I tried to wrap my mind around the mystery of life, and how things are sustained or even made alive to begin with! These meditations left me worshipping our marvelous Creator.

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"In him we live and move and have our being." Acts 17:28a

remembering Judge Lore

In 2005, I went with a handful of people from my church to visit the Philippines and Japan, and to lend a hand to those churches in any way they saw fit. We were greeted at the Manila airport by the Honorable, Judge Lorenzo Veneracion and a welcoming committee. They hung a banner just past customs, saying "mabuhay" (welcome). We were treated to exceptional hospitality from the poorest people we've ever known. They were rich in the Fruit of the Spirit, and in prayer and servanthood. That trip moved me profoundly and this man was a big part of the whole experience. The picture above was taken outside of the Lighthouse Mission in Quezon City. Judge Lore (pronounced loree) is next to the "W" in "Welcome."

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Judge Lore housed us at the school and soup kitchen he established for the poor children of Quezon City. He arranged for transportation to see all kinds of work that was being done on the island of Laguna, and even a tour of the garbage village outside of Manila. His program for us included appointing us as ambassadors, that we might have more lasting opportunities to continue the work that was done while we were there.

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I learned today, that at the age of 74, he was called to be with the Lord. I hope that his work has inspired and paved the way for others to carry on the acts of compassion that he so craved. May God comfort all of those who mourn in his family as well as those friends and co-laborers who grieve at the loss of this honorable servant of the Lord.

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He was a selfless man of action, always doing things for other people. It is hard to find people like that. I think it's safe to say that he cared because God cares, and Jesus' example is what kept him going.

life goes on

These newborn hamsters are just hours old. Happy birthday, little ones!