Well, another year has come and gone. While most of us try our luck at New Year's resolutions, we should know by now that keeping those resolutions is easier said than done. Most resolutions are lost within the first month. So why do we bother making them at all? Well, I suppose it makes us feel better about ourselves, seeing the New Year as a good excuse to begin afresh.
If you must make any resolution, then why not make one on a recommitment to God? That never hurts for us to do, no matter how strong your faith might already be. We should be on fire for Him not just for a month though; He should be foremost in our lives 365 days every year.
This is the story of Hachi, (full name of Hachiko). He had a beautiful relationship with his best friend, a Japanese Professor in Tokoyo, Japan. He lived a life worth living; honoring, loving, and completely dedicating himself to his family from the day he was born until his death in 1935.
Hachi's a dog.
Hachi: A Dog's Tale, is the 2008 American movie based on this true story of a dog with a unique bond of loyalty. Hachiko is an akita; in the original story he was found and raised by a professor in Japan in the early 1920's. (The American version simply uses an American setting, but kept the story.) This professor traveled to work every day via train; one time, he happened upon Hachi as a puppy wandering around the station. No one claimed him, so he took him home. At once the two developed a bond so strong, that once Hachi became older, he went to the train station every day, at the same time, to wait for his master to return from work. They would walk to and from the station together this way.
One day however, the Japanese professor died unexpectedly. But the amazing part of this story is what Hachi continued to do.
For the next nine years, Hachi would keep his vigil at the train station, every day, at the same time. Faithfully, until the end of his life, even though his master's had already ended....
Eventually Hachi died at the age of 11, though not in vain. The community there raised Hachi as though he were their own. They fed and looked after him. Hachi soon became well known, with stories done cataloguing his beautiful faithfulness. He died in 1935; his heart was infected with worms, but by then hundreds upon thousands knew his name and his story. To remember him, a statue was erected in his honor, so that generations upon generations could visit him. The statue was placed, none other, than at the spot where he waited faithfully for over a decade at the train station.
So, what will you leave behind when you are gone? How will others remember you? How do you want to live your life? Hachi chose to be faithful until his own death, even when he probably figured out at some point that his old friend wasn't coming.
Did you know that God is loyal? He waits for us every day, even when it seems apparent that we aren't coming to see Him, and yet still He will remain vigilant forever that we will come. God is always there for us, even when no one else might be. He's the most loyal friend anyone could have.
Hachi could have given up at anytime. He could have gone home with someone from the community or of the Professor's family. Instead he chose to stay near the train station. In the American film, we see his story told through his eyes. We see the temptations he faced, the hardships he endured, and the love that drove him to sit in his spot every day. Such undying loyalty…Can any of us boast as much?
Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of Your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on Your faithfulness. Psalm 26:2-3
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:6-7
But I am like an olive tree, flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. For what You have done I will always praise You in the presence of Your faithful people. And I will hope in Your name, for Your name is good. Psalm 52:8-9
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9
If God loves us so much to be there for us, should we not show the same, if not more, in return?
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:13-14
But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me. Micah 7:7
He hears you, knows you, and loves you. He is waiting for you to come.*
Running to Him,
Whitney
