Puppies

My son has a mentor in his life in the form of his chiropractor. I have found that chiropractic is a very personal type of therapy. A stranger puts his hands on his patient, and POP! Instant relief. Over time an intimacy develops. Friendship happens. The doctor is now a buddy. He is now giving advice and sharing life experiences on slow mornings.

His most recent advice has been about puppies. My older son was telling the doctor about the dance his younger brother had attended. He mentioned being approached by his younger brother's ex-just-friend, and how she pretended they were still friends. She treated my older son as if everything that had happened with his younger brother never really happened. The doctor was angry and frustrated on behalf of both of my sons.

His solution to my boys' girl trouble was puppies. Puppies are warm. They're soft. They will let you hold them. They will lick your face. When the boys leave, they are always happy to see them when they get back. Puppies. At their age, forget girls. Puppies.

I couldn't argue with that. Puppies.

My son, when you come to serve the LORD, stand in justice and fear, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, incline your ear and receive the word of understanding, undisturbed in time of adversity. Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not; thus will you be wise in all your ways. Accept whatever befalls you, when sorrowful, be steadfast, and in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire gold and silver are tested, and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and God will help you;

trust in Him, and He will direct your way; keep His fear and grow old therein. You who fear the LORD, wait for His mercy, turn not away lest you fall. You who fear the LORD, trust Him,

and your reward will not be lost. You who fear the LORD, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. You who fear the LORD, love Him, and your hearts will be enlightened.

Study the generations long past and understand; has anyone hoped in the LORD and been disappointed? Has anyone persevered in His commandments and been forsaken?  

Has anyone called upon Him and been rebuffed? Compassionate and merciful is the LORD;

He forgives sins, He saves in time of trouble and He is a protector to all who seek Him in truth.

Sirach 2: 1-11