When something is wrong with me, I like to sleep with my Bible. For some reason outside of my comprehension, it makes me feel better. Foxy Roxy, my Pomeranian, kind of does something similar. She used to sleep outside of my grandmother’s room when she was alive, watching over her every night. But tonight when I got home, she was waiting for me under my bed. She is that kind of dog, she'll sit with me when I'm injured, overwhelmed, or just in need of something. So it was touching to know that when my evening was crap, she was there. I absolutely love my dog and her caretaking sensibility, but tonight I couldn't help but wonder if something was wrong with her. She just laid softly and nestled herself on my bed, laying her head on my Bible. I thought about the implications of having a pet on a Holy Book, but if she needed the gentle touch my Bible has often offered me, then I couldn't think of a better use of that source of comfort than for her. She stayed with me to lick my wounds, so to speak, the least I could do is give her a safe place to rest her head.
Sometimes those who take care of you need to be taken care of themselves. They may not be able to communicate it or show it, they may even be there for you right now in spite of their own needs. Don't be afraid to offer then what usually soothes you (and say thank you for the things they may not know you notice). Consideration goes a long way, but caring can help ground people, bringing them all the way back to themselves. Being at home with others takes courage, inviting people to be at home with you affords them the opportunity to cast off their bravery for a moment and just be. A friend of mine says, "We all need a little help sometimes." Even the strongest among us need a shoulder to lean on, in this case, maybe a Bible.
My Invitation:
Think of the people in your life who care deeply for you. Their support could be as readily available to you as the air you breathe or so subtle sometimes you may overlook it. I invite you to let your gratitude for them to flow and allow them to feel your appreciation. Who knows…it might be what both of you needed.