"Trooper" is a four-year old Maltese. Actually, he's a bundle of love and I'm
sure he doesn't realize that he's a dog. We've had him since birth and he was the
"runt" of the litter.

To our family, Trooper is another member. He is extended deep love and
affection and he gives it in return. Like most dogs, Trooper has his own
individual personality. We had another Maltese before Trooper who had a
very bad disposition. Trooper's is just the opposite. He's very friendly, loving
and outgoing. He loves people of all ages - from the infant to the elderly,
his love is equal. He gets so excited when we have guests over.

Of all his many qualities (including his high intelligence level), I have been
most amazed with one in particular. He seems to "sense" when one of us is
not feeling well or is hurting. It makes no difference which family member
it is. He rallies around that family member with extraordinary companionship,
loyalty and faithfulness. If one of us has to spend the day in bed from illness,
Trooper will not only stay in bed with you all day, he'll nestle down right
next to you. He doesn't make a sound and moves very little. It's as if he knows
we're sick and need to be still and rest. Although he's silent, you always know
he's there with you. His mere presence demonstrates his love, care and concern.

I drew a parallel from Trooper's example in reflecting back when I was an active
minister. There were times I had to visit the hurting, the grieved and the sick.
Many times, especially during the death of a loved one, I would just sit next
to the family member, put my arm around them and say nothing. My silent presence
spoke volumes about love, care and concern, just like Trooper does for us.

Many times Christians, with the best of intentions, think they HAVE to say
something appropriate for the moment in an effort to help. The fact is, none
of us have all the answers to life's pains and sorrows. Many times we just
need to be there for someone without trying to quote scripture, teach a lesson,
preach a sermon or to try to explain away why the situation is the way it is.
The proper time may come later to share scripture and to say anything else
God leads us to. But we should be careful when to speak and to have the
wisdom to know when not to.

God is that "silent" Companion many times. There are times when we have
pain, grief, sorrow, disappointment and all the rest of life's downsides when
we don't hear an audible voice from Him explaining it all to us. However, He
IS there, nonetheless. He stays by our sides constantly and will not leave us
for a second. He sticks closer to us than any friend we have. And you know
what? We always come through it, no matter what the situation,
and it's because He was there with us all the time.

Sometimes I look at Trooper and marvel in my love for him because of his
love for me. Can we, as Christians, do any less toward our Heavenly Father?

 (Written by John D. White)

Midi:  The Way That He Loves

VERSE 1

The way that He loves is as fair as the day

That blessed my way with love

The way that He loves is as soft as the breeze

Arresting the trees at night

 

VERSE 2

So tender and precious is He

Contented with Jesus I’ll be

The way that He loves is so thrilling because

His love reaches even me

 

VERSE 3

The way that He loves is as deep as the sea

His spirit shall be my stay

The way that He loves is as pure as a rose

Much sweeter He grows each day

 

VERSE 4

His peace hovers near like a dove

I know there’s a heaven above

To Jesus I’ll cling, life’s a wonderful thing

Because of the way that He loves