Without scampering or barking, Sammy came to me. I had returned from a seven-month absence from him, and I was collecting him from the gracious family that had cared for him while I was in England. He nosed me and accepted my strokes, but our reunion held small excitement.

He rode calmly on the drive to our studio apartment. As we left the car, he trotted ahead of me, knowing where to go. Obviously, he recognized the familiar surroundings. We reached the door, and I had to struggle with a shopping bag full of his things, the leash, and the key. That was just the beginning of my recognition of a fact of life.

It’s a common fact. One that has been a part of my life for more than 50 years. Because it had been routine for all those years, I didn’t realize or verbalize it until I had been absent from it for six months.

The fact is this: having dependents takes tremendous time and energy.

Tony and Sammy: Tony was one of Sammy's caregivers during my months in England. He and Sam formed a very close bond.

While in England, I had no one depending on me…although Kat certainly appreciated my upkeep of the kitchen. My extended visit was a time when no one else depended on me for daily needs and virtual survival. In other words, I only had to consider myself and take care of me.

But now I must be mindful of Sammy’s needs, requiring walks three or four times a day, feedings twice a day, and arranging care for him while I am away from the apartment, occurring almost daily. Of course, there are periodic visits to the vet and pick-ups of medications. And always juggling parcels, leash, and keys at the door.

Parallel to this realization came this thought: My loving God cares for me, protecting and providing. If He were finite like me, he would surely tire of the responsibilities. But never fear, He is omnipotent, all-powerful. Amazingly, He doesn’t tire.

Of course, what He does for me, He will do for anyone who trusts Him to keep His promises…just as Sammy trusts me to care for him. I love Sammy for many reasons. One of them is that he trusts me. How that warms my heart and fills my life.

What do you think? Is the Lord’s heart warmed if I trust Him as Sammy trusts me?