A couple months ago I wrote about disasters, suffering and enormous pain and struggles that hit our world.
Well, again the whole world was shaken by unfathomable calamity, more evil than a heart can endure.
I don’t know what to make of it all, but I think there has always been enormous monsters stalking mankind to shock us all – A dictator, destructive weather or senseless disease or death.
It is hard to know what to do, even for a savvy Heeler that usually has all the answers.
First of all – pray. Make sure you know the God of the universe who hears our petitions and comforts.
I also think some cowdog character traits are needed to get us through tough times – unanswerable sorrow and struggles I cannot overcome – like a deepening winter even before the real one arrives. At times, it is just putting one paw in front of the next, going in the right direction.
The older I get, the rougher winter is, like it is for us all. There is some fun in the snow, too, but it gets harder to find when the old bones stiffen up.
So here are the cowdog traits to which I return, encouragement through rugged and wintry times:
Hope – The thing that keeps us believing in the possible, the future, and knowing there will be good coming. 
Faith – The absolute certainty that God has a plan and it includes us. Relax and let Him take care of things. Live by faith, not by fear.
Peace – If you keep the first two, this one sure comes easier. This old cowdog likes to sleep in peace at night. 
Strength – I try to exercise all of this old dog – spirit, soul and body. Keep going, keep trying, never give up or give in. 
Wonder – As you keep trying and sometimes struggle on, don’t be robbed of the wonder that makes every day a precious gift and prevents bitterness and discouragement. 
Grit – That tough inner resolve, hard to name but present in all us cowdogs, that works all these traits together for good. The one that keeps everything else going. It is the power in the gut and running through the veins of every Heeler.
And, being a Heeler, of course, always Joy. 
I hope you’ll use my list. It’s some pretty good traits we can all use, all the time. It’ll help keep me ready for winter or tough times.
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:7
