what one prayer can do

Devastated.  That is how it feels to put down the last of your "first generation" - to let go of your beloved twenty year old pet.  That is the emotion my family felt a week or so ago when my sweet, little kitty, Max, had reached "the point."  The point where his body started to give up due to suspected cancer in his bladder.  The point where his confusion and disorientation began to win.  The point where we had all agreed that it was time.

So with heavy reservation, we made the appointment at our new veterinarian office here in Houston.  We reserved an official moment for Max to depart from this world.  What a weird thing to do.  At a agreed upon date and time, Max would be no more.  How odd to make such a decision for your beloved baby.  Such a little guy who had taught us all how to love more.  Yes, Max loved with his whole heart... his whole being.  When someone would pet and snuggle with him, he'd pushed in for more with all the force he could muster.  More love.  More affection.  More.  He gave all of himself to the giver.  He leaned in close and deeply loved those willing to visit with him.  Yes, Max lived a long, full life giving and getting love.  How I questioned if we were making the right decision to let him go.  For his sweetness was stronger than his physique.  But our new vet assured us that he was indeed frail and would likely continue to deteriorate.  How horrible.  How heartbreaking.  The point for Max was here.

We kept the appointment.  We stood over Max's little body and watched the last shot administered - finalizing the end of his life.  And then, in the midst of that awful moment, our new vet (whom I had briefly interacted with only once before) looked at me with genuine tears in her own eyes and asked, "Would you like me to say a prayer?"

Oh, what one prayer can do.  What comfort can be offered during the worst of trials.  What compassion and love can be shown when we pause to invite Jesus in.  What a glorious testimony can be shared when we whole-heartedly offer the healing, eternal hope of the King of kings to those in need of love and affection.  "Would you like me to say a prayer?"  Translation: "Would you like me to stand alongside you and remember God's promised love - even through this difficult storm?"

What one prayer can do.

Of course, I accepted the gracious offer of our vet and she prayed over my sweet kitty.  She prayed with and for my family.  She thanked the Savior for our dear Max's life.  She acknowledged my King for His peace and promises.  One prayer.  One prayer that will always be remembered in the hearts of me and my family.  One prayer where the Holy Spirit was invited to visit and love us more... changing death into glory and blessing... presenting memories of thankfulness to overshadow our broken hearts.  Our vet's selfless, holy offering of prayer had welcomed the Creator of all creatures to change a dark and tearful moment with His lighted hope.

One prayer.  It was beautiful.  It was peace.  It was Jesus.

Comforted.  That is the blessing we each can know and share from God's eternal love and promise.  That is the hope we can be assured of and cling to in order to deeply feel Christ's compassion with those our Savior cherishes.  For His sweetness has proven stronger than every earthly appointment.  His hope can surpass the worst trials of these hard days.  So call upon Him, dear believer.  Invite your King to push in and restore.  Lean in close and snuggle in his deep love - sharing the Giver's tenderness alongside those who may need more of Him today.  For there was purpose in His death, and there is glorious life in His life!  One prayer is exactly where He is waiting to change every heartache into blessing.

To this truth, I say, "Thank you, Lord. Thank you for introducing my family to our new vet, Dr. McMaster.  Thank you for blessing our days with the happy life of our precious kitty, Max.  Thank you for the peace made available in your Name through every prayer spoken, in any circumstance we face.  And thank you for always, faithfully, showing up and giving us your whole heart and eternal love.  May we give you our full devotion in return forever-and-evermore!"

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Blessed Sunday, everyone!  XOXO!

~Victoria