In the Mimosa Tree : He was just a 'dog'...right?

Recently, I had to say goodbye to my little love, Phlique.

I had 16 years with my little Schnauzer buddy and oh what a gift that was.

(Barely taller than a blade of grass when I had his ears clipped.)

I realized his decline months ago and the final understanding of needing to let him go came at the end of what was a very long good-bye.

Several have tried to assure me that I will see him again.

Some have said he is on this side of 'Rainbow Bridge' (a popular pet loss poem). No offense, but the poem didn't help me much even though it is a sweet sentiment.

Scripture does not address the assurance of the presence of pets waiting for us. But here, probably fueled by my grief, is my position.

Jesus said, "In My Father's house, there are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you that where I am, there you will be also."

I love the idea of Jesus having prepared a place for ME. What a lavish, lovely, generous gesture. Nothing can be added to the eternal joy, unending discovery and promise of being WITH HIM. He didn't have to mention anything about His provision in the written Word...but He did.

What will 'my place' that is prepared for me ... by Him ... be like? Will it not be filled with the things He has created and provided for me to love? I did not make myself----so what has He created for me to love and have pleasure in? Whatever it is like, nothing could be added to make it better and nothing could be taken away to diminish it. It is perfect. He is perfect. He made me. The place He has prepared for me will exceed all my known joys. Because HE will be the center of it all.

Oh to see Him. Have unending time with Him. To learn about Him. To worship. Yep....I wouldn't even care what kind of wallpaper is in my mansion or if the front door squeaks or the furniture doesn't match.

First of all--His all invading, encompassing presence --which is all we could ever dream and more-- would be all we would ever need or desire. Oh He is absolutely the joy, the crown and the reward... ...plus nothing. And we would forever love to absorb this perfection.

Could it be that because we are 'gathered to our fathers' (described as Abraham's bosom; the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) that He knows we would have added joy in heaven by connecting with known history of this life? Could it be that the next life is a heavenly continuum of this life---only in absolute perfection?

Being 'gathered to our fathers'...assures us of a reunion with those we knew. Those who are a part of our heritage. What a sweet reunion that will be!

But then, I just said goodbye to my beloved Phlique. I was trusted with him to love him and care for him for sixteen years.

Now he is gone. But---he is only a 'dog'. Right? RIGHT?

I know I am wading wayyyy out into unknown territory here--where the Word of God is not clear, if not silent. But allow me some tender speculations.

No one would argue there will be flowers, trees, grass, fields and water in heaven. The beauties of earth nature and things we have loved (which are patterned after heaven itself!). Throughout His eternal kingdom, there are embellishments of nature that have always been an expression of the creator, Himself. The scripture even describes heavenly beings and creatures we have never seen or experienced---and they sound terrifyingly holy to read about.

Would you allow me to hope that little Phlique, because he was marked with much love, would be heavenly-bound? Having offered richness to my life far beyond that of flowers and things that come and go in shorter seasons?

HOW MANY times did we do this?? "Phlique...what do you WANT??"
It was always clear. :)

Because there is a mansion prepared for me---------I kinda expect my little Phlique to be in there. He is not my focus of heaven nor was he was the entire reason for my life here. But he was a blessed addition!

As I clean my house now after Phlique is gone and wipe the last of his nose prints from the windows and wash his blankets for the last time---I am happy I had him to love.

And honestly--if I don't see him again, it is well with my soul because I held nothing back from him when he was here.

But wouldn't it just be like our amazing Father God to have our greatly loved little animal friends in the 'place He has prepared for US?'

I like to think so.

Even though....

He was only a 'dog'.

Right? :)

'Helping' me decorate for a Christmas party, he ends up with a snowflake on his nose...

(In the photo above, his little squeaky toy is on the floor--abandoned--as he hopes for the cake to magically fall through the table. Always the beggar...never losing hope.)