Love Shadow

50X60cm, Acrylic on Linen
 
Photo Credit: Bettina Beach
"Love is patient, love is kind.... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" [2 Corinthians 13:4-7]
There is nothing quite like the love and devotion of a farm dog. 'Man's best friend', the most devoted companion, she is there through thick and thin - a constant shadow at the farmer's heels. 
Stars still in the sky, the rooster's crow signals the start of the day on the farm. As soon as the farm dog hears the creek of the bedroom door, she patters down the hall, nails scraping softly against the old wooden floor boards. Waiting patiently while mum grinds fresh coffee to fill the old stovetop pot, the smell of the beans fills the crisp farm air. The kids are still in bed, but mum needs company in the silence of the small kitchen. This family is her world. No matter what time of day or night, she always has time for her family - no matter the cost. 
As soon as the farmer is dressed and has downed the steaming black cup, both he and she kiss mum goodbye before heading out the door. Though tough, both he and she love the work. Hauling feed, checking the animals, herding the cattle - this is the life they love. The farm dog loves being by her farmer's side, waiting for the smallest nod of the head or whistle to send her veering off in another direction - almost spinning on a single paw to steer the heard to their new grazing place. Her muscles ripple under that glossy coat as she relishes the task, working as one with her farmer on horseback, eyes fixed on him as she waits for his next command. The farmer is her world. Though getting towards exhaustion, she perseveres for him - no matter the cost. 
Though a little furrier than everyone else, she is as much a part of the family as anyone. Though mum protests as the farmer and his dog trudge wearily through the front door at the end of the day, muddy boots and paws leaving their mark through the freshly swept little farm house, she gave in long ago to the plea of those big brown eyes. Collapsing in the lounge room, the farmer on his armchair, his mate at his feet, the kids come running through the house to greet the workers. Wearily thumping her tail, the farm dog lifts her head to gently lick the cheeks of the giggling children. This family is her world. Though 'dog-tired', she always has time for her family - no matter the cost. The farmer looks at his dog, knowing she would do anything for his family. Always protecting, always trusting, always hoping and constantly persevering. 
A shadow at the farmer's heels, the farm dog shadow's the perfect love of our Creator and Saviour. Always patient, always kind, the gentle eyes capture what completely devoted and unselfish love is. Laying aside her own fatigue, ready at any time of the day or night, she would do anything for her family and her farmer - no matter the cost. As, despite being so undeserving of such perfect love, our Saviour gave Himself for us - no matter the cost.