Old Dog

My dog is growing old. She turned 15 this year, which, if one dog year equals seven human years, makes her 105 years old. She is fairly spry for having past the century mark. Last night, she was chasing bunnies. She moves slowly enough that she can't catch them, but she does give them a good run. I think the rabbits have figured this out – they were sitting by her house when the athletic events started. Besides her hair being a little thinner, her main problem is that she appears to be going deaf. Instead of calling for her at night, I have to shine a flashlight in the yard so she can see me. Otherwise, she will simply wait for the next rabbit to stroll by.

At fifteen, she has been a part of our family for a significant time. My girls and my dog have literally grown up together. My vet has prepared us for the inevitable; from what he has said, her particular breed lives for an average of 13 years. She is two years above average, and counting. We know that one day, she won't be chasing the bunnies anymore. That's the nature of this life. It ends.

It reminds me of my own mortality as well. One day, I won't be chasing bunnies, either. But that is what makes the reality of Jesus' resurrection so significant. He has solved what we could not. He has won the victory over death. When we know Christ as Savior, through his death and resurrection we have forgiveness and life everlasting. That's what we celebrate at Easter!

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NIV)
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.