TrAsher...Treasure ?

The highlight of a recent gathering of friends at our home wasn't the food, poolside fun, or even the fellowship. It was my dog, Asher—known to some as TrAsher. Yes, that white dog. The one with a mouth like The Joker—and unless you know him, you can't decide if he's grinning with joy or on the attack....

If you knew Asher as a puppy, you recall his endearingly big ears and his ever-growing obsession with playing ball, as well as the threat he posed to shoes, clothes, toys, magazines—even the Bible. Hence, the nickname, "TrAsher".  I chalked his frustrating habits up to high energy, boredom, age, etc. Surely, he would grow out of it. But, as he grew, Asher became skittish around strangers—especially kids—and the moniker took on another meaning.

October 12, 2013. Derek and I married and had the brilliant idea of hosting the wedding reception at our house. Funny how one of the most memorable days of my life is remembered by others as the day "your dog bit that little girl". And for the past five years, Asher has been the source of many lighthearted jokes and warnings about coming to our house. I've laughed it off, but still felt slightly wounded because of the unconditional love and comfort Asher has brought to my life. If you would only give him a second chance...You'll see how he's changed, how sweet and funny he is. And why I love him.

Of course Asher and our other dog, Toby, began barking as people began to arrive that day. The first to arrive are just big people and he's all good. He's gotten quite used to adults. But, when the first carload of kids rolls up, my stomach flip-flops. My mind races—quick, find a tennis ball to distract him. Stay calm or he'll get anxious. Make sure you have some cookies on hand. Please, don't let someone bring up the wedding....

Be still and know...whispered my heart.

I smiled as I watched Asher weave his way in and around kids and adults the rest of the evening, wagging his tail, trying to coax someone into playing ball. The closest his teeth came to anyone was as he stole a hotdog from a girl's hand. What joy to hear how much she liked my dog, as she gave him another hot dog! She sees him. As the evening wound down, a couple of my husband's friends expressed amazement that Asher was so calm.

"I remember that time he almost went after my kid."
"Didn't he bite someone at your wedding?"

I fought back the need to defend his past, instead giving God the glory for answering my prayers. But, it was as if they did not want to let go of the negative.  As if it was too good to be true.

Once a bad dog, always a bad dog.

But aren't we all guilty of that at times? So much more fun to rehash the mistakes of others than believe and delight in their progress. Yeah, but remember when.... I'm glad Asher doesn't get that he was being judged for his past behavior, labeled so that people would not see him as I see him and know him.

Like my heavenly Father sees me.

If for no other purpose, our little cook-out reminds me that, in spite of my past mistakes, the times I have hurt others—and how often people remind me—I am defined only by who I am today, in Christ.

Maybe you are like me, like Asher, and have a history that some people cannot or will not let go. I hope and pray you come to believe that God can turn your mistakes into a masterpiece, give beauty for ashes. The life you think is trashed, is a treasure to God.

With time and prayer, Asher has learned—is still learning—to leave behind old ways and destructive habits. Why, one could almost say he is a gentleman and a scholar.