Tumilson was one of 30 American troops killed when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan on August 6th of this year. Family and friends weren’t surprised that Hawkeye attended Tumilson’s funeral; dog and owner had a special bond. Today.com reported that Hawkeye followed Scott Nichols down the aisle and “dutifully laid down near the casket.” A reported 1,500 mourners watched as Hawkeye ‘‘accompanied his master until the end.” The powerful photo showing Hawkeye lying beside Tumilson’s casket is heartbreaking and is without doubt, one that will be remembered for years to come. As I read the short news story that ran with the photo, the phrase “accompanying his master until the end” pierced my thoughts; Hawkeye’s action was compelling definition of loyalty
As i thought about the photo and story a simple question, but profound question rose from the deep recesses of my mind; “What would my picture of loyalty look like to my Master?” I’m afraid that my picture would be so fuzzy and out of focus that you wouldn’t even be able to tell it was me. I’m certainly no Hawkeye.
My friend, Bill Jones, proofed the first draft for me. His reply email included an “I love it,” but he also chastised me for not including “a strong quote from Scripture” in the first draft. So, I went searching and decided that the 13th chapter of Mark best fit what Bill wanted to add.
“But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” —Mark 13:32-37
Allow me to use some creative authorship on the last lines. “…Therefore remain loyal – for you do not know when the master of the house will need you. It could be in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. Don’t let him find you inattentive and wandering. Above all maintain your sense of loyalty.
You can read Hawkeye’s story at http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44271018/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/dog-mourns-casket-fallen-navy-seal/.
How would you answer the question; “What would my picture of loyalty look like to my Master?”
When all is said and done and my final picture has been taken, I pray that the familiar words found in Matthew 25:23 are the picture of my life; "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'”
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