Expected, and unexpected visitors

My brother and sister-inlaw (Henry and Mary) stopped by last night (it's really not just "stopping by" when you drive four hours, is it). We don't know how chemo is going to affect Judi, so it was great to see them - to just spend some time together. They provided supper too!

They had a long drive back, so they couldn't stay long.

Strangely, we also had an unexpected guest. This dog was just walking down our street, stopped at our house, and didn't leave. Unfortunately, alot of our visit was spent trying to figure out what to do with him. Henry and I took him for a walk in our neighbourhood - hoping his owners were looking for him, then we tied him up in the front yard in case his owners drove by looking for him. We didn't think we could keep him in the house overnight; Fargo didn't like having her territory invaded. After it got dark we tried keeping him out in the back yard, but he started crying and howling. We went to a dog-lovers' house in our sub hoping she might have seen him before and know where the owners live, and through her we found out that the college has a veterinary program. I tried to get a number for security, but ended up just driving over and finding them (I took his collar along, which had the college's main number on it). They said they could take care of him overnight, so I went home and brought him back. And just as suddenly as he showed up,"Mac" (we found out his name later) was gone.

Mac in the kitchen

Fargo with the pained expression of being second fiddle

Somehow, worrying about the welfare of this dog really got to me. He's a really well behaved dog, except for the burrowing incident - while he was tied up in the front yard. He is super-friendly and obedient. He's the kind of dog we could have envisioned adding to our family (turns out he is up for adoption) - but, we've got more than enough on our plates right now.

Here's our bible reading from last night;

Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
Hebrews 13: 1-3

Did God send this dog to me to help me see the condition of my heart? I was, and still am, concerned about this dog's welfare - even more than Judi was. This is very strange, as Judi is the real dog lover in our family. What form do angels take when they visit us?

I need to go one step further; if God could create in my heart such a concern for a dog that I'd only just met - how much more concern does God have for us when we're lost? when we're in danger?

Judi starts chemo next Wednesday, and we know that God will be there also - helping us to find our way, keeping us from harm, making sure we make it safely home.

God bless you.