Bringer of Joy

I have, at times, struggled to maintain joy. I think it’s because I’ve struggled with the joy-stealer of all joy-stealers: worry. To be honest, I have moments when I find something to worry about even when there’s not really anything to worry about. Certainly, that doesn’t honor my beautiful Father or feed my contentment so, I’m working on it. I am determined to let joy take precedence in my heart because joy, as the Bible states, is the source of my strength! (see Nehemiah 8:10)

About a month and a half ago, my hubby and I took a little time away. He made all the arrangements and the next thing I know, we are nestled in a gorgeous suite in a beautiful inn. How blessed am I! It was still chilly outside which was perfect for flipping a switch to light up the gas fireplace. Our windows overlooked the rolling hills and budding spring trees of Amish Country – which is as close to untouched by the modern world as we can get around here. It’s like entering a painting.

That weekend was sheer refreshment – of which I am so grateful. We pretty much had the pool and spa to ourselves and Jennings thought of sweet little touches like bringing one of my favorite movies to watch as we curled up beside each other in our room. We basically just enjoyed being together and having time away from anything that looked like responsibility. A true retreat.

One of the things we did on this trip “for fun”, probably prompted more by Mrs. Cross then Mr. Cross, was take a short drive to meet an adorable little puppy (and her littermates) on a local Amish farm. Enter this completely captivating all black and white bundle of cuteness. I had no previous knowledge about “Border Beagles” (Border Collie – Beagles) but man, they will steal your heart in like a nanosecond – as any puppy would, I guess.

Then the discussion began. What would our lives look like if a puppy were to come bounding in? Could we handle the extra responsibility? Could we make it work with our schedules? Could we deal with the lows along side of the highs of puppy training? Could we provide enough exercise? Could we make it work with Mable, our cat? Could we, could we, could we? One would have thought we were invited to deliberations at the UN – but we were simply trying to decide if we should adopt a puppy.

Back at home, it was a week of discussing, praying and kind of hoping we’d forget about this adorable little puppy girl. But somehow, she began wriggling her way into all our thoughts and future plans. When the breeder texted me (is anyone else surprised that Amish farmers text?) to tell me that another couple wanted to take her home, we were done. I said “noooo, she’s ours!” (of which that kind man seemed to already know) and we found ourselves making the necessary preparations for the impending transition. One of the more pressing factors was finding creative ways to keep our other black and white cutie, Mable, from feeling too much anxiety over our new family member.

The night before we were to officially adopt our pup, we seemed to have all our preparations secured and I enthusiastically shared my comprised list of girl names with Jennings. For some reason, we both really liked and settled on the name, “Beatrix” – you know, like “Beatrix Potter”, the author who wrote children’s tales starring adorable animal characters. We just liked it. And we intended on calling her “Bea”.

The day arrived! Time to go get our “Bea”! Before we headed back down to Amish Country, my exact quote to my nervous but excited hubby was,

“I am sure the joy she will bring will far outweigh the challenge.”

(Remember that quote…wink, wink.)

So the black and white Border Beagle named Bea came home with us. And honestly, though there have definitely been moments of needing a little more caffeine to compensate for the added energy, mostly it’s been smile after giggle after laugh after snuggle after fun-filled frolic. And we’ve never looked back – well at least not to ponder why we did this. More to ponder why we made such a big deal about it! I mean, yes, puppies are challenging at times but puppies are also great fun! (You probably already know that but as new puppy parents, we definitely needed to learn that for ourselves.)

A couple weeks after adopting Bea, we happened to look up the meaning of her name. I kid you not, the answer that popped up on my phone screen was this:

Beatrix means “bringer of joy”.

Jennings and I could hardly believe it! What a confirmation from the ultimate Bringer of Joy that making room for love and laughter is part of His glorious plan! Oh, if we truly grasped how much He adores us!

Most days, I find myself calling our new pup, “Trix” or “Trixie” more than “Bea”. It just seems to fit her playful self. She keeps us moving and laughing and she’s interrupted me no less than 12 times as I write this – but I wouldn’t trade that.

True to her name, Beatrix brings joy that far outweighs the challenge and in a world where challenge and worry sometimes feels a little too prominent,

I am grateful we chose joy.