My nickname for Luc is “Stretch”… he has been my saving grace these past few weeks.
Each morning he teaches me about God’s love and grace in this solitude and isolation that can percolate anxiety and fear.
We first head outside for morning “necessities” — he stops on the back porch steps and stretches … I mean really stretches … a Downward dog stretch … and he looks up at me as if to say, “we’ve got all the time in the world, let’s enjoy this morning stretch.”
Rev. Dolly Jacobs
Associate Pastor for Pastoral Care
I have always been one who is a “go-go-go” kind of person. Luc is teaching me to slow down and savor each daily movement.
We then go inside and have our morning play time. He brings me a toy and … again … he stretches across my lap. He chews on a toy while I pet him … petting him is grounding for me.
It is still dark out (he is up at 5 am). We can hear the birds tweet “good morning” to one another in their own social interacting. If I turn on my phone and read the social media tweets, it is all gloom and doom.
Holding “Stretch” in my arms gives me warmth and love from one of God’s creatures that is healing in a time where we cannot touch or hold one another as the body of Christ.
What a gift from this 10-week-old puppy who seems to know that he and I both need this physical touch.
My message to each of you is to hold on tight — call, text, email one another. Virtually offer love, hope and light during this strange time where, when God created us to be in community, we cannot be.
Pray for me and I will pray for you.
