It’s book release season, can you tell? Of all the books I’ve read this summer and fall (and believe me, I’ve read a lot!), the one featured here today, Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grownup World
, is one of my very favorites. I read this book several months ago, when the author, my friend Laura Boggess, asked if I might be willing to endorse it. Under a tight deadline, I read it quickly, but I knew I would read it again the moment this book landed in my hands in its final published form. I knew I would read it slowly this time, savoring each beautifully crafted sentence — and that’s exactly what I’ve done over the last two weeks. Laura is a remarkably gifted writer – her words sing off the page, and the images she creates are so lush, so rich, they have the ability to transport you to another place entirely. I am honored and delighted to welcome Laura Boggess to the blog today. Please, sign up for the free giveaway below, but even if you don’t win, give yourself a gift this fall and buy this book.By Laura Boggess
As I was finishing up the last chapters of my book Playdates with God
It’s a book about joy, about moving closer to God and there I was, wracked with grief over the slow dying of the family pet. This dog had grown up with my boys—ten years she nuzzled their faces and chased after their feet. She was supposed to be around a few more years; she was supposed to keep me company when they left me to go off to college.
But one day, out of the clear blue, she had a seizure and she never completely recovered. In the daytime hours I would write my book and read the words out loud to her as I’d always done—watching for some recognition in her sweet empty face. In the evenings, my two boys and I would take her for shuffling walks, covering only a sliver of the distance we used to walk in half the time.
Everything slowed and time felt like the cold hand of death slipping under our door.
In truth, nothing seemed right. I was realizing the dream of writing a book but I felt more and more alone each day as I watched the man I love battle clinical depression. He slipped deeper into despair as I stood by helplessly. Our eldest son became involved in a relationship we didn’t approve of. And one evening after music lessons, I rushed our youngest to the ER with what we later determined was a panic attack.
Our once secure and happy family was splintering all around me. What used to be my safe place was becoming a place of uncertainty and fear. Who was I to write a book about a Spirit-led life? The words I had penned just a few short months before when life was blissfully happy seemed to mock me.
And now Lucy Mae was dying. This sweet, innocent creature who had brought so much joy into our household—had brought us together in so many ways—was paying the price of a fallen world.
How could I possibly write about joy in the midst of such brokenness?
As her days drew to a close, Lucy Mae’s sweet life began to give to us in new ways. It was one of the last days and we were walking. She struggled with each step but, oh, how she wanted that walk. Watching her, my two teenage boys were silent. And the deep places in my heart spilled over with pity for our girl.
“Seeing her this way,” I said, “it makes me love her more. Even though it hurts, all I want to do is hold her and let her know we’re here.”
The boys nodded and my youngest picked her up. I watched how tender he was with her, how careful and kind.
“I’m glad for Lucy,” he said, tears threatening. “I wouldn’t trade our time with her for anything.”
I felt something new stir in my chest—a bigger kind of love, a love that doesn’t leave in the midst of pain. And I felt it then: joy. I felt how sorrow carves out room inside a heart to feel deeper, love deeper, and enter deeper into relationship—not only with those we are joined with in life on earth, but with God.
And when I sat down and typed out the final chapters of the book, I was companioned by this rich joy of knowing I will never be alone. This is why we give our love when it would be easier to give up and turn away.
Because a Bigger Kind of Love holds us. Tenderly. A love that wouldn’t trade us for anything.
Author of the newly-released Playdates with God: Having a Childlike Faith in a Grown-up World, Laura Boggess lives in a little valley in West Virginia with her husband and two sons. She is a content editor for TheHighCalling.org and blogs at lauraboggess.com. Connect with Laura on Facebook and Twitter.
{Email subscribers: please click here and scroll to the bottom of the post to enter the book drawing.}
Judging from the fact that this post about made me cry, I think I need to get my hands on this book! 🙂
Hi, Laura,
You must be a dog-lover :). I don’t know why I am constantly amazed at how God uses the stuff of life to teach me, shape me, mold me closer to the image of Christ. I have found that sorrow has made me more sensitive to the presence of God and that is cause for great joy. Have a wonderful day, my friend!
There is no joy so evident than the joy of the Lord during those hard and painful days. It is through the suffering and sadness that we more readily accept the hand of Jesus and let him lead us like a little child. Isn’t it beautiful? His joy? Nothing like the “joy” the world offers. It is deep and abiding, it knows no boundaries. Laura, I love your joyful spirit and I thank God that the Lord would preserve it during these trying times. Can’t wait to read your book. If I don’t acquire it through a drawing, it is on my Amazon wish list. Joy to you my sweet playmate!
Kelly! My playmate :). Thanks for stopping in here. What you say is so true, friend. As I was writing this post, I found it difficult to describe. I think its something that must be experienced. A beautiful gift of knowing God.
Oh Laura, this made me cry! All of it. What you are going through with your hubby…did you know mine has been there too? And me with him when we were laid low here a year ago? And all of His presence in the broken…it took me moving to another country and so far from the simple comforts of basic competence to be stripped naked enough to embrace this truth. To know a love that will never leave & is at the height of beauty in the deepest darkness when He is all we can see…sending love & wanting you to know I have been & am walking it too. Revelation 12:11 🙂 xo
Oh, Abby, you and your family have been through so much. I keep you in prayers and am always grateful to receive Jared’s email updates. I am amazed at the work you are doing. But, yes, we are not immune, are we? But holding onto God this way … it is its own reward. Much love to you, sweet friend, and thank you for coming alongside me.
Laura,,
We had to put our Betsie beagle down last year-it was tough. I appreciate your soul words on grief and carving out a space to love deeper. Seems grief is healing itself. I meet with God best in His Word, and every time – it does feel like a play date. Blessings!
I’m sorry about Betsie, Ginger. They make a special place in our hearts and lives. And, isn’t this the most amazing thing about God? How we can never learn everything about Him, and how we hear something new each time we read the Word? Alive and active. It is.
I am a pet lover too, Laura and have lost many. But the ones that I remember the most are the ones who were my sons’ greatest companions. When our dachshund died my oldest son was 12. He came home from school and turned on his usual cartoons then started to cry. He said usually he would reach down and pet Fritz on the floor as he lay on the couch. This broke my heart. The dog was older than he was and he could not remember a time when we did not have Fritz.
By the way, Laura, you have great hair and I am aspiring to that style as I let my very short hair grow out!
Yes, I hear this, Charlotte. It always surprises me, the depth of grief, but I don’t know why. These little ones give in so many ways and bring unconditional love to us. I find some comfort in knowing that God does not let this sorrow be wasted. It prepares the heart for much. Still, I will be glad when death has no sting. And thanks for the compliment about my hair! It looks a little different now but not too much. Good luck with yours 🙂
Oh Laura! I connect with you on so many levels. When I was writing Love Letters to God, about how to have intimacy with God through written prayer, our dog Bogey, was dying too. He had always been my writing buddy, and I had anticipated his company helping me to write to the finish. He was also my singing buddy, as I would practice my scales and solos. He’d howl like a banchee (what does that tell you about my singing?! 🙂 ), and embarrassingly, his high notes were higher than mine. And then all hell broke loose and I ended up writing a chapter about his death and all manner of death, when my beloved great aunt died, my husband had a near fatal heart attack, I had horrendous foot surgery (and then I came to understand that death assumes many forms, the large and little deaths of life–many and myriad losses and disappointments and death of dreams. But like you, I realized that despite the sorrow I felt, I felt great gratitude at having loved greatly. I realized how in loving people (and dogs!), I had gained great gifts that even death couldn’t steal. I’m so very sorry for all you experienced, at losses great and small, but I am so heartened by how God brought joy and love to triumph in your life, and how you are sharing that with others! I leave you and Michelle’s readers with these two beautiful quotations, which I included in my chapter on grief. Poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning said that “grief may be joy misunderstood.” And poet Edwin Markham said, “Only the soul that knows the might grief can know the mighty rapture. Sorrow comes to stretch out spaces in the heart for joy.” I can tell that you have experienced this. I know I will be blessed beyond measure to be able to read your book. I have already here.
Love
Lynn
Oh, Lynn. This response is so beautiful. And those quotes. I’m so touched. Isn’t this how it goes? Feast or famine, it seems. It does feel like and attack, at times. But you are right, the enemy cannot steal, kill, or destroy these gifts because they are from God. Only He can turn ashes into beauty like this. Thank you for these words. I will turn them over and over and cherish them.
Bless you so much for this kind response. You are preciuos in His sight too!
Experiences in life will bring heart ache as well as also overwhelming happiness, but deep abiding joy comes when God is in the midst of our encounters with either. Our “little deaths of life”and disappointments can be bridges to finding deeper treasures in our spirit. Christ will then be exhibited as a fragrance of life to the world around us as love and grace abound. I look forward to reading your book to deepen my walk with the Lord and find joy and love to triumph in the trials of life.
Thank you, Kathy. Yes, you say it so well. This is what I meant to convey. “Deeper treasures in our spirit.” I love that. I’m so glad you came by and shared your thoughts.
My favorite way to be with God is something I am still figuring out but for now it is chilling out at Starbucks with my journal and a Chai Latte, just writing all I have to say to Him, savoring and making good music and making/creating things (I love to bead, knit, crochet and all of that).
That sounds like a great playdate to me, Lydia :). My favorite is always changing, it seems :). That’s why keeping the agenda open on my playdate day is always an exciting thing. But this is the season for sitting with a warm cuppa and just enjoying the moment. Sounds lovely.
My favorite way of enjoying being with God is when I am listening in prayer. Nothing is quite so peaceful.
I agree, Janet. Stilling the soul long enough to listen is a wonderful thing. Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation!
I could barely scroll down this post because I was wiping tears away.
We have a 13 year-old dog and I recognize the preciousness of each day with our
faithful friends.
But I also resonate with a season where no one in your life seems off-limits to pain
and sorrow. Oh I remember the season in my life where I feared the phone ringing
or more evidence of life remaining in that deep place of ache.
I can’t wait to read your book by winning (ha) or purchasing.
Thank you for this post and for what I am sure is an anointed work.
Ah, Helen, I hear you. May each day with your precious doggie be blessed. And, isn’t one of the wonderful things about seasons the fact that they change? I hope you do get the opportunity to read my book! Thank you for the encouragement.
This post is truly touching. My favorite way to spend time with God is in worship . I get lost forget my surroundings and it’s easy to focus just on Him.
I know what you mean, Barbie. Isn’t that the best feeling? My husband is our praise band leader at our church and sometimes, I am just amazed at the emotions the music evokes. It’s a beautiful thing.
I am so looking forward to reading this book! I am always looking for positive ways to connect with God, and I think this book will be a great source to do that!
Thank you, Lisa, I definitely think it will help you with that. Praying your journey is sweet and rich as you move closer to Him.
My favorite way to enjoy being with God is in nature. I’m guessing your book has a lot to say about that, Laura. I’m so looking forward to reading it! I loved seeing the heart of your boys in today’s story. Blessings to you and may God move mightily behind your words, your offering to Him.
Thank you for saying that about my boys, June. Losing Lucy Mae was hard on all of us but watching the grace with which they handled it really grew my God-muscles. God uses it all. Grateful for you, friend.
This post had me in tears…
I cannot wait to read this book, have ordered it!
Thank you for the sweet giveaway – if I win, I will be able to gift one of the copies to a friend!
Thank you, Kelly, I hope you enjoy it! Lucy Mae was quite the muse for much of it. I love how God will use the smallest things, the smallest creatures, to bring us closer to Him. Thank you for your generous heart.
Whoa. We’ve gone through strokes with two dogs – each being 15 years old.
Through all of this, you shine Him. And, give courage to those in similar boats of wondering how and why we can speak of joy and trust…
Blessings.
You know, don’t you, Darlene? The ways that God moves are so mysterious, but I never thought I would thank Him for sorrow. But I see how He has used it to make our lives richer. That’s a hard thing to explain. But you know. I know you do. Much love.
This is hard-won, precious truth Laura. Thank you.
And thanks for being her, Linda. I always love to see your face 🙂
Oh, wow, Laura. I am in tears. Your book hasn’t arrived at my door yet, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. These words here? So beautiful, so gentle and filled with wisdom and hope. Thank you for what you offer, with such grace and love. (Thank you, Michelle, for hosting Laura here!) xo
thanks for these kind words, Jennifer. I’ve been so grateful for all the beautiful women God has placed in my life through blogging. Grace and peace to you, my friend.
Thanks, Michelle for hosting Laura & running the giveaway…love the book and if I won, I would give it to a friend 🙂
Laura,
tears streaming down when I read this as our dog Jubi also had seizures and I know how much you loved Lucy Mae and what a big part of your family she was…((hugs)) and yes, so grateful for God’s love holding us 🙂
I remember, Dolly. Sending a hug to you over the miles, beautiful friend.
First of all, congratulations on completing your book. I’ve been working on mine for two years now. But what stood out in what you wrote here today was that the man you love battles clinical depression. I know all about that as I too live and love my man who suffers from this. But yes we can have joy despite challenges in life. And I’m sorry about your dog. Although I don’t have a dog, I do love them.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thank you, Debbie. And thank you for hearing that, amidst all those words. Yes, it has been a difficult journey. But God has been faithful and we are keeping our faces turned to Him. Much love to you as you walk this journey too.
Oh Laura, this brought back a few meaningful conversations we had when you were in the midst of all this. Such a tender place at such an important juncture. God has done so much, he is so faithful. And our sweet pets will always carve out a spot in our hearts, no matter what. I still miss my Winston. This was a beautiful piece of writing, as always.
You, Michelle, Emily, and Deidra were such a comfort to me that weekend at Allume. I’m forever grateful for the tender way you all supported me, never once giving me cause to feel silly for feeling such a loss. Love you, lady. Thanks for being there.
Okay, Michelle, so I really want a copy of this book. I’ve read close to half a dozen glowing reviews of it now, and I think this is my third or fourth attempt to score a free copy. But even if I don’t win, it’s clear I need to read it.
Laura, this is heart-hurting and beautiful. Thank you for being willing to be vulnerable here among relative strangers. One of my favorite writers/bloggers, Lanier Ivester wrote a beautiful piece about the death of her beloved dog; reading your piece here reminded me of hers. Losing a beloved pet is so, so hard. I pray God’s mercy and peace over you and your family.
This brought tears to my eyes. I would love to win a copy of Playdates.
This post….oh my. I have no words, only feelings. Feelings of understanding and sorrow, yet peace comes over by the end of the post. So beautiful! The book has got to be incredibly wonderful, possibly more wonderful than even this one small post has shown.
I know my favorite two ways to be with God are in nature, just enjoying the scenery, exploring God’s creations on a hike in the woods/mountains. The other is in the stillness, the stillness of time and energy, when all is quiet and I let go, flowing through moments.
This is so sweet. I’ve never really had pets, but the sense of loss resonated with other losses I’ve experienced.
Reading this feeling such connectivity to the feelings of uncertainty and fear when life doesn’t go as planned and helplessness when family members choose their own path or are hurting. Pets have such simple needs and bring such unconditional love. Thank you for sharing….