Tonight we say goodbye to our dog, Goldie. She will be given back to her original owners actually. A dear family to us has a precious little boy who received a therapy dog, a big golden doodle to help sweet Ezra as his health declines. They already had Goldie and when they received the therapy dog, Goldie and Charlie (the therapy dog) didn’t get along. We took Goldie for them and were delighted that no one in our house was allergic to her!

It’s just a dog, but there is certainly a reason for dog’s being called man’s best friend. Goldie followed me everywhere, particularly. She was really a huge blessing for our entire family, and especially me after a tumultuous and painful summer. Tonight I am sad, I must admit. I’m so happy that this family gets their dog back, because the two dogs get along very well now! 

I know I am sad about saying goodbye or maybe see you later to Goldie and just not having her in our lives the same, but I think it’s hitting me more that this is the first of many goodbyes coming. Our realtor is coming over to discuss the house and have us sign some paperwork tonight so it will be ready to list soon. So, we will be leaving the house we’ve had a family in for ten years. It’s definitely hitting more that we are leaving the familiar and moving into the unknown. 

It’s hitting a lot recently the things we may miss out on while away. Happy and joyful moments for friends and family and difficult and painful circumstances we will miss from friends and family. We will still be there for them, but we won’t be by their side the same way. That is a really hard reality for us. And one we recognize as parents that our kids don’t fully grasp, so when our family and friends are rejoicing or hurting back in the states we will need to trust God to help us guide them well through it, even as we walk it too. 

I guess tonight as I say my first painful goodbye to a fluffy, loyal friend I want to be honest about the pain, but also never forget the joy of having the blessing in the first place. We can choose to focus on the things we’re saying goodbye to and the familiar we’re leaving, or we can focus on the joy of what we’ve been gifted for a time. Psalm 33:4 “He is faithful in all He does.” I don’t know what the future holds, but I know who holds it and who will hold us come what may.