GRATITUDE 209 The joy he brings my kids

Meet Elpis.  Otherwise known as white dog or El.  His name is Greek  and means hope.  He's our guest for a month or two while his owner is out of the country.  He's quite a lovable dog and he's brought out the best in some of us( and the worst in others.  Let's just say my slightly aggressive two year old has a thing or two to learn about gentleness.)  But really, I've seen such love overflowing from my kids hearts because of this cutie patootie!   They love playing chase with him in the backyard.  And they love snuggle time with him.  And he just plain makes them happy!

My thoughts drift to a day that's coming.  A day when all of creation, animals included, will be redeemed...not subject to the futility of this broken world.  What will it be like to relate to animals then? If  little sweet puppies like El bring us so much joy here and now, what kind of joy will animals bring us on that day, the day when the creation itself no long groans in waiting?  So exciting to think about.

Til then, let's have grateful hearts for the gifts of creation that we are able to enjoy now and hearts full of longing and expectation for a day when all things will be united in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth!