We Are Keepers

It’s been a struggle saying goodbye to our AKC German Shepherd puppies. If it made sense to keep all of them, I’d gladly do so. Each has a personality, sizing, and unique color scheme. The older they get, and this is a real problem, they become acclimated to life on the Gurley Farm. It’s not fair to them. They need to adapt to their forever homes much younger. Else they may compare the past to their present and be upset about the future.

What am I saying? They are keepers! Every single one of them.

This makes me sad. Especially when I compare these Keepers to so many pets (and people) who are not wanted. The Humane Society is full of unwanted, strays, and “I don’t know what to do!” pets. They are thrown away, dropped to the side, and kicked to the curb. Why? Too many? Maybe. Can’t afford them? Most likely. (They are expensive.) Don’t care about them? Now, that’s a bummer!

This becomes my focus. Why do we struggle? Are we too much of a throw-away society?

Regardless of what some may say, Roe v. Wade sets the stage for many, thinking we can delete the possibility of the future. Not wanted, wrong timing, a bad combination of genes? Any of these options are just on the surface. The deeper problem may be a lack of want, as in, “I just don’t want them now.”

We buy single-use products and after we’re done. Tossed. Maybe recycled? Just flotsam on the ocean of life. Analyze what you are tossing. Will it hurt our future? If you say that’s the futures problem, then you must be the problem yourself. Should I cancel you? Toss you away? Turn my back on your other needs?

My Question? What are keepers?

What Are Keepers?

Adam in the garden was a Keeper of God’s things.
Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the list goes on and on.
Pick up and carry God’s things further and farther down the road.
There cannot be a higher honor than to know our place in God’s heart.

We are made to be gatekeepers of our hearts, home, and churches.
Keepers of truth, freedom, love, grace, and peace.
The list is endless, with no bottom tier.
Except for what we consider of lesser value, that’s a heartless place.
 
Emotions. Please keep them in check. For the most part, I do.
Reactions. Much like emotions, we need to learn to hold them in.
Friendships. Like the Love of Christ, spend lavishly and cherish.
Family. You didn’t choose, but you were born into your heritage. Value them.

Don’t let your life throw away the ones you seemingly don’t value.
Everyone is part of the wealth of who I am.
No man or woman faces life alone.
Seven generations brought you here, and you build for the next seven to come.

Think of the Prodigal. It took him a long time to find value.
Returning home, his father ran and met him on the horizon.
Rejoice! He’s returned home. Celebrate!
Oh, but that other brother…he never saw the blessing.

I pray we change our focus, be a steward of life all over
Not just what or who that give us warm fuzzy feelings
But even those who stir up the dislike within our hearts
Think about it. It could be you are the one unwanted.