The little white hair on my sleeve...

So, I am recovering from the big bad flu.  I am much better, but still coughing and tired.  But better!  I placed an order with Peapod, which I have only done one other time, knowing I didn't have the strength to grocery shop.  I realize this morning, though, that I didn't have even a few dollars for tip money for the driver, so I decided it is time to get in the car, and go to the bank.  Time to face the outside world, to step out into the sunshine, to breathe clean air.  Even if just for 15 minutes!  I figured I would grab a bagel and coffee while I was out, hoping something will help my unsettled tummy.  My insides do not fare well when I take a lot of cold medicines etc., plus I seem to be one of the few who are adversely affected by Tamiflu.  So, I have the inner weeble-wobbles for now.  This too shall pass...soon.
I pull up to the drive-through window, sign my paycheck, and send it on it's way.  I am feeling light-hearted, listening to young Michael Jackson singing that he wants me back lol  Then it happened.  I looked down at my arm, and I see a white hair there.  For a second, I think it is mine.  I have plenty of white hair, after all.  Then I realize that it isn't mine.  It is a wavy white hair that has attached itself to my jacket, and it belongs to my puppy dog.  I plucked it off my sleeve, and am immediately overwhelmed with grief.  Absolutely overwhelmed.  In that instant I can feel his silky hair, I can see his soft brown eyes, and I can sense his comforting presence.  And then I hear his last little cry again in my mind, and I cannot shake it.  I grab my money, and drive over to Dunkin Donuts, thinking that I will surely get a grip on myself.  After all, it has been 7 months and 10 days.  I swallow hard, willing myself to keep the tears inside.  I get out of the van, and stand in line inside, thinking that if one person speaks directly to me, I will lose it.  I get my bagel and hurry out to car. How close I was to tears over the loss of my dear pet! This reminds me once again that everyone everywhere is feeling one thing or another, but walking along as if--as if they are fine--as if they aren't hurting--as if they aren't struggling.  I am sad about the loss of my pet, which totally counts, and God totally cares deeply about it-but, there are so many bigger and harder things going on, every second.  How many people just need some eye contact, a caring word?  I am again acutely aware of the fact that each and every things we do each and every day is loaded with opportunity!  The chance to make a difference in someone's day, and in some cases, in their whole life.  We just never know....
So, I am glad for this little white hair on my sleeve.  It is a wonderful reminder of God's tender care for me, and my responsibility to share that with others.
One of my very favorite songs is "His Eye is on The Sparrow" by Civilla D. Martin, 1905. What comfort the lyrics bring.  I hope it makes a difference in your day! :


Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.