As some of you know, Ellen and I have welcomed a new dog into our home, a 1-year 2-month-old hound of some sort we adopted from HAWS. We have renamed her "Leilani," Hawaiian for "heavenly flower." I must admit that as much as I was looking forward to having a new dog, house accidents, shredded dog beds and crate cushions, trying to keep her away from "snack time" in the cats' litterbox, and trying to train her to stop counter surfing have already made me think to myself, "What was I thinking? I am way too old and too busy for this."  

But then I look at her face and see how she's already bonded with us and think, "Maybe I did hear correctly when I kept praying if this was a wise thing to do." Leilani's story is that she was in a shelter in Alabama before coming up to HAWS in January, For the past several weeks, she was with a foster family who did a great job with her. One always wonders what rescues have gone through. For her, to finally be in a permanent home where, quite frankly, perfection is not expected, hopefully lessens her anxiety and brings lasting security. One wonders how much dogs can process and if there is any part of her that doubts she finally has a permanent home. 

When it comes down to it, doesn't Jesus wish to lessen our anxiety and bring lasting security as He would give us a permanent home? And what is so amazing is that, despite our continued lapses into sin and doubts, we never hear Him saying, "What was I thinking? Why did I do all I did for these people?" Instead, we hear Him say after His resurrection, "Don't be afraid. Peace be with you. It's all true. I am alive." We'll hear an example of that this week as Jesus comes and deals in patient love with Thomas who refused to believe the good news unless he saw Jesus for himself. 

Lord, when we doubt Your presence and become anxious with life and all its challenges to our faith,  draw us closer to You through Word and Sacrament. Help us to always hear and believe Your comforting voice.  "Don't be afraid. It is I. Peace be with you."