There is a Korean saying, “개만도 못한 사람” (worthless than a dog) used as an insult. However, I am sure you have heard many heart warming canine stories. Honestly, sometimes “개만도 못한 사람” is an insult to dogs. Here is the story about seven-year-old German shepherd named Tommy.
Tommy was a stray dog and a woman named Maria Margherita Lochi who lived in San Donaci, Italy, found him near to her home. She has adopted other stray dogs before and Tommy was loved by her. Maria took Tommy for walk to and from church each day as Maria participated in mass. The priest would even allow Tommy to sit near her feet during the service.
Maria died on November, 2012 and Tommy followed Maria’s coffin as it was carried by her community members to the church. During Maria’s funeral service, Tommy sat by the steps of the altar. Since Maria’s funeral, Tommy continued to attend mass every day when the church bell rings and sat by the steps of the altar until he died on February 12, 2013. People believe Tommy passed away from a broken heart. He finally realized that she wasn’t going to return to him so that it was his time to go to her.
As I heard of this story, I asked myself if I passionately wait for my Lord Jesus Christ as Tommy did for his owner. What a sobering story. In fact, Jesus has promised of His return in Matt. 16:27, “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done” (NIV). I pray that I would wait on the Lord faithfully, diligently, and excitedly until I die (or He returns).
Have a blessed week!