Hello ,

I have often thought that the human race doesn’t deserve the gift of dogs in our lives.   

Most dogs are far too trusting, loving, and loyal for the rag-tag bunch of inconsistent “leavers” that most people have proven themselves to be. 

If you have ever looked into the story of Hachikō, you know how inspiring it is. 

If you haven’t ever watched the movie, go rent it; but be prepared to get a lump in your throat. 

It’s based on a true story. 

 
Every day between 1925 and 1935, Hachikō the dog waited at Tokyo's Shibuya train station in hopes that his dead master would return. 

As the canine companion to a university professor, Hachikō patiently waited his owner’s return from work at their local train station each evening.

But when the professor died suddenly one day, Hachikō was left waiting at the station — for nearly a decade. 

Every day after his master passed, Hachikō returned to the train station, often to the chagrin of the employees who worked there. 
The locals watched him waiting, patiently waiting for the one that he loved to return. 

Every time I read the story, I end up needing tissues.  

To see an animal waiting so selflessly for the one that he loves, inspires me to have hope for the human race. 

“Everyone and everything that I ever loved, eventually left me.”

I’ve heard this same story over and over again; told to me with different words, but always with similar outcomes.

I have a friend whose only recollection of his biological father, was of watching him drive away when my buddy was only 3 years old.  

It leaves a hole that never closes; and everywhere we look, we see people limping along through life, dressed in the emotional rags of abandonment. 

It’s hard to say “good-bye” to someone who has permanently left you, because of death.   It’s even more difficult to have someone who you thought would always stick around, walk away (without so much as a glance back over their shoulder). 

The days, weeks, and months afterwards can feel like thrashing around in a large, empty box that once held a belief in something bigger than ourselves.  The beautiful wrapping paper that covered the box lays in tatters, and leaves the recipient feeling hollow and unloved.  

Why can’t people be more like Hachikō? 

It’s a good question, and one that I still can’t seem to answer; despite my years of searching.

Sad fact is, we ask that very question; but then reply (often in the same breath), with our own personal inconsistencies of character and disloyalty. 

“Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you.”  Isaiah 49:15

In the arena of relationships, humans screw things up on the regular. 

We all do.  

We say one thing, and do another.  

We swear our allegiance, then walk away. 

We promise something, and then break it because of inconvenience, personal dysfunction, or circumstances beyond our control. 

There is One, however Who remains more consistent than even Hachikō. 

He can be trusted to show up every time…even when we have left the station. 

Over and over (in His Word), God promises not to leave us, or forsake us. 

Only by allowing Him to prove that to us (day in and day out), can we ever learn to truly trust, again.  

The story of Hachikō inspires me.  

The promise in God’s word gives me something to hold on to.

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word