The other day, as I was driving the boys to school, Matthias told me he loves our new pugs so much it makes him sad.
I asked him what he meant, and he explained, “I feel so much love for them—but what if they get hurt or sick or worse, die? I would be so sad. Just the thought of it makes my heart heavy.”
I sighed and nodded. I knew exactly what he meant. I feel those same feelings and worry every day. Not just for our dogs {I mean, I love those doggies!} but even more so having children, committing to a husband, sharing life with sisters who are dear to my heart, it’s amazing and it’s terrifying.
Love is vulnerable.
Love is a risk.
Love is messy. Always.
Love isn’t safe.
If we love deeply and honestly, we’ll most likely get hurt.
But if we protect our hearts and keep them safe, we miss out on, well, the best of what life brings.
Because love is imperfect, we’re imperfect—flawed in all of our good intentions, living in bodies that will eventually fail us.
It’s heart-breaking.
But it’s also breath-taking.
Love makes the journey not only bearable, but beautiful.
Love may break our hearts but it also heals them.
Love eases our pain and comforts our souls in a way that’s impossible to understand.
To be loved is everything.
And so, these two sweet dogs have walked into our lives, made them sweeter and unexpectedly, they’re teaching us about love and life. And that is no small thing.
Lisa, I just stumbled on your page and saw your son David’s photo. I am interested in people’s stories with disabled loved ones. I come from a family with 2 siblings who are disabled. One with Muscular Dystrophy, who has passed from this earth free from his disability, and one with Autism. My sister, who is Autistic, lives in home in Abilene, Tx. The organization is Disablity Resources Incorportated, DRI or short. It is a wonderful place for folks with disabilities. I want to encourage you to look at their website and maybe one day go see it. It is privately funded, but still has to meet state “red tape” standards when running an organization as this. The folks at DRI are so happy and have been give a quality of life that family could not continue to do for them after the age of 21+. My sister has lived there for about 28 years. My parents live in San ANtonio and are in Abilene once a month to see her. I wanted to share this place with you to keep it in your prayers and let you know about it in case it would be needed in your future. Stay strong and in Christ. David is a happy boy, and blessed to have a loving family.
Lisa, Your stories touch my heart. I read your blogs every day. I came across this older post. In 11 days My Mom passed away, my husband and I were married 40 years and on the 11th day we welcomed our Grandson , Jack into our family. I read your post again as I am writing to you with tears streaming down my face. All the emotions of love and my
faith. Blessings and Love, Jean
Thank you so much,! Your sunburst silver ring is the one piece of jewelry I’ve seen that said ” This is IT!” since my adult son took his life 8 yes ago. I’ve always felt connected to jewelry pieces with a moon and sun together, as he was such a sun lover, and because I think of him always when last looking up at the stars, but your sunburst with a diamond on silver is going to be my ring to comfort me every time I glance at it. Jesse, you are forever in my heart. Thanks !Lisa
Wow what an insightful young man. When I became it opened up a whole new world of hurt and worry! Joy too of course but concern for your children you just don’t get it until you are a mom.
Thank you Lisa for reminding us all why we love in the first place. I was beginning to believe love is not worth it for all the pain it can cause – but reading your words have inspired me to again be a believer in love, faith and trust. They all go hand in hand and whether its love toward your dogs or husband or friend, it is just as important to bring a happiness and joy into all our lives. Keep inspiring us all with your work and great words!! Thank you!
I’m so ready for a burst of light to come through. Myself and 2 sons with a genetic cancer,. my middle child needing a 3rd heart surgery. He’s had a round of chemo for a tumor in a critical area and can’t be removed… The list goes on…. Thank you for sharing your story…. Gives me hope.
Ah, sweet boy. Dogs can teach us so many things, can’t they? I have an elderly Golden Retriever that brings that lump in the throat feeling. I love the picture at the top of this post. Pugs are so smiley, aren’t they?
He loves so much it makes him sad:) the honesty and truth of a child❤️
I love that the love Matthias has for his new doggies is the lump-in-your-throat, don’t-ever-leave-me kind. We grow so much with that kind of love. So glad you brought them home! I’m typing this as my new lab is asleep on the kitchen floor, just zonked out. I am waiting for my girls to feel that. I guess one day may not be enough. Thank you for the beautiful thoughts today on that thing we all live for.
Thank you, Lisa. My devotional time this morning was spent on 1 Corinthians 13. I plan to read that chapter each morning this week and just absorb, reflect, and digest. I appreciate your words and your blog. You are an inspiration to so many.
Lisa, you’re radiating a love that’s inspirational to me.