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It was a cold day in December when my late husband decided to surprise our family with a puppy.

We named the little fella Buddy because we got him on Grandpa Bud’s birthday. It seemed like a fitting name.

Now twelve years later, Buddy has passed away. Why in the world has this been so painful for us? It’s just a dog, right?

But this dog was our bridge to the kids’ late daddy.

This dog was one of the last things left of the life they (and I) shared with Mark Dyer. Buddy walked with us through some very deep grief. And when we downsized, Buddy slept in my room much of the time. He was my protector and friend. One night he jumped on my bed and actually pulled the covers down for me. He had never done that before or since.

Now he was full of mischief as well. He tore up his share of toys and clothing and ate his share of trash. An angel he was not! Once he even pulled the freshly grilled steaks off the counter when we weren’t looking! Another time he ate an entire angel food cake!

So with this new loss, I am confronted with so many conflicting emotions.

It is resurrecting grief in a completely new way. I had no idea how sad I would feel about this loss.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17 (ESV)

As I ponder some of the good gifts that God put in my life over the years after the loss of my husband, this crazy dog was one of them. I wrote about him once here, showing how he was like me in holding onto things that God was asking me to release.

Letting go of this gift was so hard at first.

For several months we knew the end was getting closer by the way he had slowed way down. I began to mention it to the big kids who now live away from home. And the ones in the home still were very aware of what was going on. Over and over it reminded me of my previous loss. Because isn’t that how losing a gift is? We remember other gifts that were lost – grandmothers with all their wisdom and wit, siblings who were steadfast and silly, friends who walked with us through valleys. All the gifts from God over the years.

I think all the good and all the blessings in our lives are gifts from above.

Our homes, vehicles, friends, churches, jobs, family, a spouse, yes, and even those pets. It doesn’t mean elevating them to human status, but we can enjoy the gift as it was intended for us. It all ties together with having an attitude of gratitude.

If you need to refocus on gratitude for all God has done and brought into your life, turn to these verses and choose one to meditate on today.

…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…
Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalm 118:1 (ESV)

Pause for a moment and just look around you.

What gifts has God put in your life that you need to just say thank You for? Sometimes these gifts are eternal like salvation and sometimes they are just a sweet pet that makes life just a little more bearable during the dark days of grief.

Father God, You are so good to us! Help us to see those gifts in our lives today that You have provided for us to make life here on earth just a bit more pleasant. Thank You for the gift of salvation through the birth and death of Your Son Jesus and thank You for the everyday little things. Help us to see Your hand of provision in all areas of our lives. Amen