For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

~John 3:16 NIV

Sophie, my retriever cross, had started panting during our walks, so I took her to see our veterinarian. After a thorough examination, the vet deduced it was most likely a touch of arthritis, due to Sophie’s age. She also remarked how fit and agile Sophie was at the age of eleven. Her advice was to begin Sophie on a course of green-lipped mussel powder that has remarkable powers to relieve arthritic pain. Following said advice, I did so, and although Sophie still panted some, she seemed much improved until the day she wasn’t.

My Price

It all began when we came in from our evening walk, and Sophie declined her meal. Considering the high heat that day, however, I was not concerned. The next morning, when she declined her food again and I noticed that her panting had increased at an alarming rate and that she had a weakness in her hind quarters, I knew something was dreadfully wrong. Since my veterinarian was away, I called another clinic an hour away, which told me to transport Sophie immediately.

With my daughter’s help, we carried Sophie to the car, and I was on my way. The vet assistant met me at the door. After completing a preliminary blood panel, the veterinarian informed me that Sophie was in kidney failure and they could do nothing. Her symptoms pointed to a silent tumor on the kidney, something that does not normally reveal itself until it is too late. Something which is also very prone in retrievers. Something which, in turn, caused Sophie, in the vet’s words, to throw a blood clot or have a stroke. This paralyzed her hindquarters and caused great pain. The veterinarian knew what needed to be done, and so did I, so I gave him permission to euthanize my beloved girl.

As I stood there in tears, with Sophie on the table beside me and a friend who had graciously driven to the clinic standing with me, my friend expressed how difficult it was to make such a heartbreaking decision. My answer to her, came as a surprise to both of us: “Love always comes with a price tag.”

God’s Price

Later, as I walked for the first time in eleven years without Sophie at my side, I remembered those words and how true they were, especially for God. God loved the world so much that He was willing to pay the price tag which demanded the death of His one and only precious Son. Jesus lovingly came to earth to die so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Think of some high price tags you’ve had to pay. Then, thank God He was willing to pay the highest.

Thank You, Lord God, for paying the price of love for us, which demanded the death of Your beloved son. In Christ’s name, amen.

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: The Price Tag: Lynne Phipps: All Rights Reserved