The Place of Happiness

“ You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand, pleasures forevermore.” *

In December, 2017, Al and I were happy at the news that there was going to be a “grandpuppy” in the family. Shanda, our daughter, told us to keep it quiet until after Christmas.  She wanted to surprise her two young boys with the announcement on Christmas morning, the day the puppy was to be born!

 It had all been prearranged with a breeder who raises Bernadoodles… a mixture of poodle and Bernese Mountain dog. Shanda and husband Chris were going to tell the boys about their new pet and then later go together to determine which puppy they wanted.

Ultimately, the parents made the decision…and it definitely was the right one. They selected a male with curly black, brown and white hair, supposedly non-shedding and hypoallergenic! Because his expression somewhat resembled the musician Huey Lewis and also because of the family’s interest in music, Huey Lewis became the name of this tiny puppy.

 The boys were overjoyed, having wanted a dog and having to be content with petting other people’s dogs for a long time. Huey’s four white paws were an indication that he was going to be a large dog and he grew into those paws quickly. He had a good temperament, was easy to train and brought much joy into the household.

Shanda bonded with him right away, even though he also loved Chris and the boys. Somehow, they had a special connection, perhaps because she was the one who set his limits and assumed most of the responsibility for him in the beginning. Now he even “sings” along with her when she is in the music room playing her viola!

We were on the phone a few days ago, when she said, “Aw, Huey just put his paw on my knee.” Then she went on to describe how cute he looked after she had lightly touched his paw. He tilted his head back, closed his eyes and made little puffing sounds almost like snoring! Pure contentment! Huey probably would have been happy to sit at Shanda’s knee all day.

 Her description of Huey reminded me of the story of two sisters mentioned in the New Testament, Mary and Martha. An occasion is mentioned when Jesus was coming to their home in Bethany on his way to Jerusalem. After he had arrived, Mary stayed close to Him, sitting at His feet, listening to all He had to say. Martha was busy with preparations for the meal and needed Mary’s help; but when she brought it to Jesus’ attention, He replied that Mary had chosen “the better part.” What was the better part? It was her decision to spend time with Him.

Martha wasn’t wrong in wanting to get things ready for her special guest and she couldn’t have done that while sitting at Jesus’ feet. But did she ever make space to spend time with him or was she always anxious and worried about things that needed to be done?

I love time in the early mornings spent in prayer and reading the Bible, writing down the words God seems to be speaking to my heart and then writing a response. The challenge is continuing that attitude of prayer throughout the day.

 The story of Brother Lawrence first made a deep impression on me as a fairly new Christian. Working in the kitchen of a monastery, he learned to pray and praise God as he washed pots and pans all day long. In his book, The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence shared:

“There is not in the world a kind of life more sweet and delightful, than that of a continual conversation with God; those only can comprehend it who practice and experience it.” No grumbling about dishwashing! Only the joy of walking with God. 

“He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings… Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him…” (Goodreads.com)

Coming to God, sitting at His feet ready to hear what He has to say, expressing love and gratitude. Can’t think of a better place or a happier place to be!

*Ps. 16:11 NKJV