Faithful Through February: The Gift of Always Being There

The last week of February can feel a little… grey. The glitter of New Year’s is a memory, Valentine’s candy is on clearance, and spring still feels just out of reach. It’s a time when the routine of life settles in, and the newness has worn off.

But for the dogs who come through the lines at Gateway to Hope, these late February days hold the same magic as the first. Because Jan and Jerry are still there.

You’ll usually find Jan over by the Desert or Bread line, handing out supplies with a gentle smile. Jerry is often one of the first faces you see, distributing bags of fresh vegetables and fruit or boxes of provisions. They are the quiet engines of our ministry, showing up not just on the sunny days, but on the cold, ordinary ones, too.

And our canine friends know this better than anyone.

The moment a dog spots Jan or Jerry, the routine breaks into sheer joy. Tails begin to wag like metronomes set to “allegro.” Paws press against windows. Why? Because they know. They know that in Jan’s pocket or in Jerry’s pocket, there is a dog biscuit with their name on it.

Most of these dogs haven’t earned that treat. They haven’t performed a trick or completed a task. They’ve simply shown up. And just as reliably, Jan and Jerry respond with grace, dispensing love one biscuit at a time.

That dependable, unwavering love is a reflection of something much greater. In a world that is often fickle, God’s love is the constant. Long after the holidays have passed, long after the initial excitement fades, His compassion remains new every morning.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22-23

At Gateway to Hope, we see the fingerprints of the Creator in the faithfulness of His people. Jan and Jerry don’t just hand out food; they hand out stability. They are the familiar, friendly faces that say, “You are seen, and you are safe.” Whether you have two legs or four paws, you can count on them.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23

When we care for the “least of these,” we are participating in God’s faithful work. A dog biscuit might seem small, but it is a tangible promise: you matter. A box of provisions is more than sustenance; it is provision. A smile from Jan or Jerry is more than a greeting; it is the warmth of God’s unwavering presence.

As we draw to the close of February, standing in the gap between winter and spring, we are so grateful for the Jan’s and Jerry’s in our midst. They remind us that faithfulness isn’t about grand gestures on special days. It’s about showing up on the ordinary ones.

A prayer

Father, thank You for Your faithfulness that never wavers, even when the seasons feel long. Thank You for the quiet, steady love of servants like Jan and Jerry, who reflect Your heart to every creature they meet. Give us the same dependable spirit, to offer kindness not just when it’s new and exciting, but every single day. Help us to see the wagging tails and the waiting hands as opportunities to share Your unwavering love. Amen.

From the desert line to the bread line, from the dog treats to the fresh vegetables—thank you for being a part of the faithful love that happens here every day.

As February draws to a close, we celebrate Jan and Jerry, the everyday heroes our furry friends count on. 🐾❤️🥕📦