itsawonderfilledlife

“Your dog is a soft coated Wheaten terrier, he should be soft. Make sure he is getting brushed regularly. I don’t want to see knots in 6-8 weeks.”

This was my introduction to taking my Wonderdog to be groomed for the first time. That lady made my pooch beautiful (in a masculine, canine sort of way), but she also struck fear into my soul!

I walked out to the sidewalk determined to be the best dog-brushing pet owner who ever lived.

That was over four months ago …

For well over a month I have been delaying taking the WonderDog to the groomer, knowing that I would get a talking to. I have failed as pet owner of the year. My fur friend has knots and they are too far gone for a brush.

I did consider booking the appointment for a day when hubby is off, so that he could take the dog for his spa treatments (and receive the groomers failing assessment of our pet grooming).

Then I thought that maybe I could fix him up and then take him (kind of like hiding in the bushes in the garden of Eden). I went to YouTube and learned how to gently cut the fur ball off … he now has a bald spot. So then I went tot the pet store and purchased clippers. Again I watched YouTube videos to ensure I would be grooming like the pros … his fur looks like a patchwork quilt.

So, I have given up my DIY grooming (I am now convinced that Youtube videos are equal to the ‘easy’ DIY projects on Pinterest). Just a few hours after this blog post is published I will be making the phone call I have put off for far too long. I will, humbly, tell my tale of dog-owner failure, and ask for forgiveness (along with a shampoo, blow dry and detangling brushing).

I do not know what the groomer’s response will be, but it is time to admit that I am simply not able to cover this up anymore.

As I pondered my surrender the other day, I thought about the origin and purpose of Christmas.

Christ, the very son of God, was born a human, to pay a debt he didn’t owe, for sin only he could atone for. He was the spotless, perfect lamb.

Prior to the birth of Christ, the only way for sins to be paid for was the shedding of, usually, a lamb. But that sacrifice had to made for every sin. The birth, then death of Jesus was the once for all payment for the sins of humanity.

To benefit from this beautiful gift, all that we need to do is admit our sin, and ask for his life-giving redemption. It is there, always in reach, but we must receive what has been offered.

So often, like my hesitancy in calling my groomer, shame keeps us from that which would only improve our existence.

We all need to admit that we simply cannot cover our sin up anymore.