My mom decorated the Christmas tree this past Christmas. I put the tree up, strung the lights, and Mom handled the ornaments. Each ornament represents a time in Mom’s history. It was fun to watch her reminisce about the different ornaments and the memory associated. One ornament, that I don’t actually remember was a little bell from 1985 (the year I was born).
We quickly observed that Zoe, my mom’s miniature dachshund, loves that 1985 bell. She discovered it this year as she walked under the Christmas tree’s branches. It was on one of the lowest branches of the tree. It was just low enough for her to scratch her back with or bang her tail against.
I’d giggle every time Zoe rang that little bell. She’d look so happy each time she heard that little chime. Even though it was Mom’s bell, I’m pretty sure that Zoe took claim of it every time that she rang it. She even got to the point where she would ring the bell when she needed to go out. She’d proudly walk under the bell and then look with expectation for someone to let her out.
Zoe and her little bell brought so much joy during the holidays and in the weeks after my dad’s passing. The pleasure I experienced seeing Zoe’s joy reminded me of the joy that God must feel for His children.
Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
Psalm 149:3-4a (ESV)
The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
My friends who have little ones have always said that they understand the heart of the Father so much more after having children. I have spiritual children and plenty of nieces and nephews, but I haven’t ever understood this perspective before. Thank you Lord for showing me Your heart through a little dachshund and a 1985 bell.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing [and joy giving] in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Psalm 19:14 (ESV)
Adventures of a Single Pretzel 