I was touched that the lady cared enough for her animal to go for a walk even when it was painful and slow for her. And truth be told, her dog looked pretty happy to have so long to sniff everything along the way. Her actions were loving and kind - putting the dog above herself and making sure her puppy had enough fresh air and at least some semblance of exercise.
Then to see the gentleman walking his dog. His pup was off leash but dutiful padding and rolling along after his owner, looking as content as any dog I've seen. The wheels and how slow it made the pup didn't matter - they were together and both struck me as grateful for the opportunity.
I got to thinking about what these pet owners could teach me about God and His love for me. Despite my brokenness, God loves me enough to walk with me like the gentleman and his wheelchair bound dog. But God's love for me doesn't stop at spending time with me, at walking through life with me. No, Jesus set aside His glory, became a human, lived life as a human with temptations and injuries and even death. When Jesus walks with me His love isn't just that of a dog owner who can't relate to my weaknesses. Jesus is willing to crutch beside me as I trundle along in my wheelchair. He knows my weakness because He willingly experienced it Himself.
Praise be though that Jesus didn't stay injured though. While His interaction with Thomas proves that He still bears scars from His injury, my God is fully alive and whole. He has taken back all the glory He lay aside when He humbled Himself and was born as a man. Jesus knows what it's like to crutch along but He is also able to carry me in my wheelchair when we're going up stairs. With Him, I am free to live a life of fullness that's not possible apart from Him.
So next time you see a dog and master out walking remember that God is walking with you. And no matter your injury, God gets it. But He is also strong enough to overcome it.