Remember

On By Beth AlisanIn Lessons

A Lesson from a Lab is normally posted on the first of each month.  This month, however, I waited until today- January 6th.  It’s a special day in our home as it marks the day that our black Labrador Adi joined our family as a roly-poly puff of puppy love seven years ago.

Time is passing and there is something I’ve been praying for that continues to appear unchanged.  One day as the voice of hopelessness screamed of its impossibility, I cried out to the Lord, “I know the promises of your Word.  I know you hear my prayers. I see your hand at work, but why does this one prayer remain unanswered?”  My eyes were drawn to Adi lying at my feet and the word “remember” echoed through my mind.

In my marriage, I’m the dog lover.  Over the years we had opportunities to get a dog, but I refused.  A dog needed more than an apartment space and owners who both worked fulltime plus some.  When we finally had a house with land, my new life as a stay-at-home mom was occupied by a toddler and baby.  Adding a puppy to the mix just didn’t seem wise.

By the time our girls reached three and five, the question, “When will we get a dog?” became a frequent flyer. My husband and I laid out one condition that needed to be met before we would begin looking- no one in the household could still be sucking their fingers.  Within the year they had met the condition.

My husband jumped into the search.  With children and aging parents to consider, I was more reserved.  I knew what I wanted, what I didn’t want, and that the weight of the decision was on me.  My list started with calm and gentle.  The longer we looked, the longer my list grew- quiet, able to travel, easy to train, med/large, reputable background. . . With each potential pup, I felt apprehension not peace.  As more time passed, the prospects of finding the right dog seemed impossible.  One day I found myself praying, “Lord I give up. You know my heart’s desire. If we’re to have a dog, please bring the one you’d choose to our doorstep.” 

Another year passed.  My prayer remained the same and now the girls were praying for the “doorstep dog” too.  That year, my mother became critically ill.  I was frequently packing up the kids, traveling the four hours home, and staying for long periods of time.  Any thoughts of a dog flew out the window.  At this point, the only possible way a dog would be joining our family was if God literally brought it to our doorstep. 

Then He did.

Christmas had arrived and my family had much to rejoice over including my mother’s miraculous recovery.  The table was abuzz with news of the black Labrador Retriever puppy my brother and his family would be bringing home that January.  Pointedly, my sister-in-law looked down the table at me and said, “There is still one puppy left.” 

As the meal wore on, I slipped into the seat next to my brother.  While showing me pictures of the puppies, he told me all he knew about them, their parents, even their older brother and sister who belonged to his buddies.  I was intrigued and quite aware of the excitement and peace that had begun to slip over my heart. 

My brother arranged for my husband and I to meet the puppies’ older sister- Diamond.  Simply put, Diamond was Mary Puppins- perfect in every way.   That afternoon I got up enough courage to call the breeder.  Yes, one puppy, a female was still available.  Patiently, he answered my every question, and an hour later I hung up the phone knowing this pup was the one. 

Two weeks later, the girls heard a truck pull into our driveway and the sound of voices.  When they peered out the window, they saw to their surprise and delight two black Lab puppies scampering across our driveway and into the yard.  Our puppy Adi had arrived at our doorstep with her sister, my brother’s puppy, in tow.

Adi (left) & Nova (right)

Seven years have passed since that day, and I can still say that Adi has met every quality on my list and then some.  She is my constant companion and the dog of my dreams.  She is my daily reminder of God’s faithfulness.  That when I surrender the impossible to Him, He answers.  That His timing is perfect, and His answer to prayer is far greater than I could ever imagine.  Seeing Adi reminds me of all the other impossible prayers the Lord has answered throughout my life.  That walk down memory lane bolsters my faith and rekindles my excitement about how God will answer the impossible prayer that remains unanswered. 

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord;  yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.  I will meditate on all Your works and consider Your mighty deeds.” 

Psalm 77:11-12

Today, January 6th is also Epiphany, the day on the church calendar when we remember the wise men’s arrival in Bethlehem to visit Jesus.  Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word epiphany as “an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure.” The call to “remember” is frequently made in the Bible.  In this New Year, may you remember all the Lord has said and has done. And, as you remember, may you have your own epiphany about the character and love of God.

© 2024, Lessons from a Lab, Beth Alisan.  All Rights Reserved.

39 thoughts on “Remember”

  2. What a beautiful story Beth. Did you know that hrre, Epiphany is the day celebrated as the baptism of Jesus and the Epiphany is the dove coming down on Jesus? Then January 7th is marked as the day of the wise men’s arrival. Both ways we remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you Pastor Pete! I’ll be honest I have never heard that before. Thank you for sharing. My mother grew up in a high church that observed the season of Epiphany. Although we attended a plain church, she continued that tradition in our home. We kids called it the “12 days of Christmas” as each day we had a gift to open with our family devotional. I continued the tradition with my girls, so Adi came to them that year as their 12th gift that year. My oldest called Adi their Epiphany dog.

      Like

      Reply

      1. Epiphany here is celebrated by the Greek Orthodox as a the baptism of Jesus. The Bishop of all North America throws a white cross into the Spting Bayou in Tarpon Springs and the 16-18 year old boys dive in. Whoever comes up with the crross gets a special blessing for the year.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. What a very sweet and beautiful way to remember God’s goodness to you and your family. When I feel uncertain about God’s doings, I am often so encouraged when I remember the many miraculous answers to prayers He has given to me over the years. I love writing dates beside verses that God gives me during important times in my life, remembering how God led. Thank you for sharing your experience with Adi, Beth.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Beth, this is such a great and relevant post. I just finished reading George Muller’s autobiography and he persistently prayed about everything. Your prayer for a doorstep dog echoes the faith and trust in God that Muller had. He often waited for answers to prayer, always “looking” expectantly for the answer. The answers came in God’s perfect time.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Beth, I listened to the unabridged audio version, it’s over 15 hours. Muller kept copious records in the administration of the orphanages and schools he established. The audio took me a bit to get into because of the many ledger like reports.

        The one I listened to is texts directly from Muller’s personal journals. I’m glad I took the time to hear all he shared in his own words.

        I’d like to read it again in print form to absorb more of his no-nonsense way of thinking about prayer and following Christ. In printed form I could skim the reports. Muller was so humble yet influenced many in his lifetime.

        Here’s a link to an excellent documentary about his life. https://youtu.be/TQ8DKz1mpa8?t=4

        Vision Video has a movie about his life called “Robber of the Cruel Streets: The Story of George Muller” produced in 2006. It can be viewed on YouTube in the US. I don’t know if it’s available abroad or not.

        I’ve seen both.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. So many times when I read your posts, I think to myself, ‘Now this is my favorite one ever!” (It happens over and over.) Today, As I finish reading this one, the same thought arises; this is the best one, this is my all-time favorite. In so many ways, this post touched my heart!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  13. Andy B of The BerryBunch's avatar BerryBunch.family

    Love the persistence in prayer.

    As well as the reminder that absolutely nothing on our minds and hearts is either too big, or too small, for God.

    Every issue we have; every dream; every desire – it all matters to God the same and can matter no more or less.

    He just cares for us in that unwavering, persistent, consistent way that we come to recognise as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and the Sovereign God.

    But I also love how He changes our hearts and character as we wait for the thing we’re petitioning Him for – so that we’re fully ready to receive the gift of His answered prayer. And so that He can get the glory and not our own efforts.

    This was timely fuel for me today.

    Thankyou for writing it Beth. Truly!

    Andy B

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I’m so glad this came as timely fuel today, Andy B! You said it perfectly about how He uses the wait time to change our hear and character so we are fully ready to receive the gift of His answered prayer and be quick to give Him the full glory. Blessings to you, Jo, and the boys!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Donna MauneyTyler's avatar Donna MauneyTyler

    Beth, this piece is beautifully written…every word displays the passion and peace in your mind and heart. I pray that you continue to share your love and knowledge.
    Donna

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Diane's avatar Diane

    Beth, I remember the look on your face when I told you there was one puppy left. It was a look that after a long search, your prayers were answered. And I didn’t even know that you were praying for a doorstep puppy. Your love and faithfulness for the Lord has always been undeniable. When I read this post, I truly feel your heart’s desire, frustration, and eventually joy. I strive to have that same discipline. Thank you for sharing and for simply being you, a shining light to me and those around you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  16. It thrills my heart to read this post of how God brought Adi to you and your family! What a beautiful story of His perfect provision; as I write it occurs to me that Adi was chosen for you by God long before she was conceived. It reminds me of Daniel’s persistent prayers and God’s answer: “I heard you on the first day!”
    May our Father God continue to guide and bless you and your family, two legged and four legged, each day 🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

Leave a reply to pastorpete51 Cancel reply