"These are a few of my favorite things..."

Bob often gets his run in during the week by leaving our apartment a bit after 6 a.m. When he came in from his run today, I didn't hear him sing this Rogers and Hammerstein number, but maybe he should have. At least the part that goes, "...when the dog bites..." Then again, he's not sure the dog really did bite, but it definitely drew blood, most likely with a claw as he was on his way up or down to attach him.

The experience was quite surprising in Switzerland, the land of well behaved dogs. You will often see dogs, waiting very patiently, outside of stores while their owners shop. (This pic was taken when MarDell and Justin came to visit and is on a very busy street corner in Zürich.) They seem very indifferent to other dogs, people, etc. They appear quite content to just sit or lie and wait.

Bob commented after his run that he considered giving the dog a kick in the mouth, as he would have Sydney if he went to bite, but he wasn't sure it is legal in Switzerland. There are very strict legal regulations on even putting your hand on someone that you don't know. In talking this afternoon with my neighbors, I did learn that there have been a number of problems with vicious dogs that has resulted in an upcoming vote to possibly outlaw certain kinds of dogs or greatly restrict their freedoms.

Sad, though, when you contrast that with the news of recent assisted suicide that has been tolerated by the authorities in Switzerland. See the story as reported by the BBC News here. Human life is so very precious. We are not simply evolved animals. We are created in God's own image, designed to worship and honor Him. Even a life of pain and suffering is not a life without dignity or purpose. No parent desires to see their child suffer, not even when as a parent you see it is for their own good. (I know the boys never believed me when I told them how very difficult is was for me to have to inflict some kind of punishment! But one day, they will!!) But to assist your child in taking their own life is not love.

God is the giver and taker of life. Our days and our times are in His hands. To do otherwise is to usurp His control. So "when the dog bites, when the bee stings, when I'm feeling sad," rather than just thinking on my favorite things, my desire is to follow the admonishion of scripture to remember and focus on God. Why focus on your favorite things when you can trust your life to the maker of the heavens and the earth?

"My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber."
Psalm 121:2,3

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Oh good! It's red!!!

Image
 Since I first learned of the concept of leaders and enders,  I began incorporating them into my sewing. At first not with a great plan. But that's progressed with time.  First I saw the value regarding having something already under the foot when I added the next pieces in. Rarely does anything get grabbed down towards the bobbin.  But the real value comes from basically making a second (or third or fourth or fifth 🤣) while sewing your up your primary project. At the moment I have 5 leaders and enders going  1. The second bunk bed quilt. (Pictured is the first one while I was working on it.) I will need to cut more pieces for this soon as I only have one block cut.  2. County Clare. This year's l/e challenge from Bonnie Hunter. I have quite a few blocks done, but not enough for the size I want to make. I'm at the point I need to cut some more scraps the correct size  3. A quilted bag made of selvedges to carry rulers in when going on a retreat or to ...
Read more

Slow and steady...

Image
 It may not win any race, but it will make progress on the quilt(s). The wedding quilt was finished, washed and gifted. We're not in town for the wedding, so I was glad to get it done before and gift it to the bride.   I finished quilting the 2 quilts for our group donations that I will pass onto someone else to add our label and finish the binding. No photos.  I had the opportunity to help a gal who is new to sewing begin her first quilt. I was able to finish a couple more blocks for the bunk bed quilt while she was sewing. No photos (Hmmm. I see a pattern. 😆) Since my last post, I was able to finish up the red portions of the Crimson Christmas. It's so fun to see it grow!! This week was also a sew day with friends. Always fun and productive! I worked on the mauve potion of the Crimson Christmas quilt.  There was a section mis-sewn, but some picking took place and finished up.  And then at home, I was able to work the next few steps:  I've really enj...
Read more

What's on my design wall.

Image
 I haven't done much blogging recently. I'm finding that much of my quilting time is spent work on quilting up projects that have been made by others that are heading out for donation. I don't tend to photograph those, since I'm just finishing up the work of others. Also, having had some back issues, my sewing time has been more limited.  But I have enjoyed experimenting with different FMQ designs as I work with these.  This one was fun! I will most likely use this again on another square quilt. (Photo was taken just as a record of completion...) The quilting design does not show up as well on this one as I used a color that blended in. But this flower pattern is easy to work with. This project keeps making it's way on and off my design wall as I work on projects with a deadline. I originally saw the pattern on the YouTube channel of the Questioning Quilter. She called it "Top of the Stairs." It's a disappearing pinwheel. It went on my bucket list of q...
Read more