My Loss
“And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Trusting God When Things Don’t Go As Planned
Have you ever worked hard for something, only to lose it unexpectedly? That’s exactly what happened to Blizzard in this heartwarming story about responsibility, loss, and faith.
There was a knock on our door one afternoon not long ago. When Grandpa opened the door; Mr. Paul, our neighbor, was standing there. Grandpa invited him inside and asked how he was doing. This was the first time we had visited since the rock throwing incident I wrote about in my second book.
Mr. Paul said he and his wife were going on vacation in a couple of days. They had to leave their dog at home. He needed someone to exercise and feed his little dog until they returned. He wanted someone to do that and to just check that there was nothing inappropriate going on at his house. When he considered whom to ask, he thought of me.
At that, Grandpa called me to the door and Mr. Paul explained what he wanted done, and the time of day to go to his house. It sounded like a fun job. I would let the dog out into the back yard twice a day. I would take it for a walk in the morning, then when we got back to the house I would fill its bowl with dog food. In case I needed to call him, Mr. Paul would leave a phone number on the kitchen table. I could call him if anything needed his attention.
I looked at Grandpa for permission. He smiled and nodded his head. I told Mr. Paul I would be pleased to take care of his dog until he returned. He said the dog answered to “Roscoe”, and he had a dog leash that would be left on the table that I could use. “Roscoe likes his daily walk. He will pull hard on the leash if you don’t stop him. You need to say “heel” when he starts pulling or he will go too fast. He does not actually heel, but he knows to settle down.”
Before he left, Mr. Paul said he would pay me $10 per day for my help. Grandpa said that was not necessary, but Mr. Paul insisted.
I started making plans on what I would like to get with the money I would earn. I was excited about my first paying job and also about what it would permit me to buy.
…..
Taking care of Roscoe was fun and he is a nice dog. He was never a problem. The time Mr. Paul and his wife were away seemed to just fly away. Finally, the day came when I was paid. I received $220 for the full three weeks and a day.
I told Grandpa I wanted to go to the department store and get a very special mixer for Grandma to use in her kitchen. I was so excited I could hardly wait. Grandpa said we would go the next morning.
Before we arrived at the store we stopped at a restaurant and had cherry pie and ice cream. This was to visit and to celebrate my good fortune. It was fun and we talked all about being responsible and how Mr. Paul was pleased that everything had gone so well. I think Roscoe was happy too.
…..
When we got to the department store, I knew right where to go. I found the mixer and pointed it out to Grandpa. Grandpa looked it over and was surprised that I had picked a very good one for the price. He picked up one in a box and we headed to the checkout counter.
When we got there, I placed my hand in my jacket pocket, but to my shock and dismay the envelope with my money was missing! In a panic I searched all over. My money was gone and I knew I had it when we left home.
At that, Grandpa apologized to the lady at the counter and offered to take it back. The lady said she would take care of it. I was shocked and very hurt. When we got back to the truck, I looked all over for my money envelope but it was not there either.
Finally, I said I think it was probably stolen at the restaurant when I took off my jacket and laid it across the back of the seat in our booth. Grandpa said we could stop on our way back home and see if anyone found it. He was not optimistic, but he would try.
When we got to the restaurant Grandpa and I went inside. I asked about the envelope, but no one knew anything about it. The waitress behind the counter went and took a look where we had sat but nothing was there.
With my head down we went back to the truck. I could not help myself. I started crying. I had worked so hard to get Grandma that mixer and now this happened.
Grandpa picked me up and sat me on his lap. I asked him why God let this happen and why he let someone take the money I worked so hard for.
As we sat in the truck, here is what Grandpa said: “Blizzard, you worked hard for your money and were very responsible caring for Mr. Paul’s dog. I am proud of you. You were not irresponsible when you lost your money. You did not know how to protect it better, but do not blame others when you cannot be sure that someone stole the money. Job had the same question for God when he suffered so much. These things are hard, but I know you learned.”
At that, Grandpa dried my eyes and gave me a hug. “Your money is gone but that is all. God allows these things to teach, and to test us. A loss like you just experienced will either cause you to love and trust God more, or it will cause you to lose faith in Him. Little boy which way will you choose to go?”
At that I replied, “many people have given everything including their life for their Lord Jesus. You know I love you and my Lord regardless of what happens. I know too that He loves and cares for me.”
Just then, Grandpa hugged me again and shared a couple of scriptures to ease my pain.
1 Peter 5:7, “Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares about you.” (csb)
Want to Explore This Lesson Further?
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✅ A copy of My Loss
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✅ Scripture reflections and memory verses
✅ Gratitude prompts and prayer guides
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