--The LORD is Always With US ~~

---"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love."
---[Psalm 143:8] --

---LABRADOR ANGEL ~~

--IN 2019, Cap Dashwood and his sweet black lab companion, Chaela accomplished something remarkable: reaching a mountain summit each day for 365 consecutive days.

Dashwood has a moving story to tell. He left home at sixteen, explaining simply, "Bad family life." But these past wounds led him to find healing elsewhere. He explains, "Sometimes when you're disappointed by people, you turn to something else. You know?" For Dashwood, mountain climbing and unconditional love of his black lab companion has been a big part of that "something else."

For those of us, like myself, who deeply love our animal companions, a big piece of why we do is the sweet and kind, unconditional love they effortlessly pour out. But I like to think the love they effortlessly give points to a much greater and deeper reality than the failures of others--God's unshakable, boundless love upholding the Universe.

In Psalm 143, as in many of his prayers, it's only David's faith in that unshakable, "unfailing love" (v.12) that tethers him to hope in a time when he feels utterly alone. But a lifetime of walking with God give him just enough strength to trust that the morning will "bring me word of our unfailing love" (v.8).

Just enough hope to trust again and to let God lead the way to paths unknown (v.8).

--"Loving God, thank You for showing me how to believe in love and joy again. Help me to be a channel of that hope for others. In the Name of Jesus."

--ODB/ MLR~
--[God never promised us success. He rewards faithfulness.--(Mother Teresa)
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