Where is God?

It is no secret that I am an animal lover. I have always had pets, and am crazy about cats. The saying about cats having staff and dogs having masters is very true from my experience. I currently have a house full of too many cats who are kind enough to allow my husband and I to share their home, and I have one very large, very grateful dog, who thinks we hung the moon. 

My dog (who was free on craigslist about 9 years ago) has had a decline in his health. I have noticed that now he wants to be close to me when I am home, and he comes to get me when it is time for his medicine. On our walks, he prefers to stay close to me, and to walk our familiar street. He has grown more dependent on my husband and I, and has become more clingy with us. 

I think about when things seem to be going great in my life, and how I feel independent, like I can take on anything. I can do it all on my own. And then something unexpected happens. A health situation occurs, an unplanned expense comes up, or a stressful personal situation takes place. It is at these times that I then wonder, "So where are you God"? "Didn't you see this one coming"?  

My dog's illness reminds me that God has been with me, through both the good times, and the troubled times. Just as my dog walked so confidently when he was well, seemingly aggravated that he needed me on the other end of the leash. Now during the tougher times, he leans on me for reassurance. 

God has not promised us a perfect, healthy, stress free life. But He has promised to stay with us, alongside us, providing us  with his love through it all. Being grateful during the good times, and keeping faith during the tough times. And knowing that our God is with us through it all.