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| For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. 1 Timothy 1:7 |
He is a funny character.
He still growls when my hubby kisses me goodbye.
He makes grunt sounds as if he tries to speak at times.
He likes to be the center of attention and makes it known in a variety of ways.
He thinks the couch makes a fine bed, although he will settle for his own when told.
He is one happy tail wagging, welcome wagon to his family members when they return home.
He gets along well with the cats and does not eat the bunny, to our great relief.
Sometimes, I wonder if he thinks he is one of us. He looks to us for his cue to where he fits in.
Like a child at times he competes for attention. He never misses scrap opportunities while I prepare lunches. He believes he should have a taste of everything that we eat. When I walk him at the beach he is uninterested in people, and only has eyes for me. Occasionally he will look at a dog and bark to make sure they know that I am his bone. “Back off” in doggy language is pretty easy to understand.
Until this one day.
Something was different.
As we were coming near the end of our beach walk on a chilly afternoon.
He noticed the Piping Plovers. It’s not like they are not always there when we walk, but this time he seemed to be awake to their presence. It was as if someone knocked him upside the head and said, “Duh, hello- see the birds? You are a dog and you should chase those guys!”
But, the leash.
Ah, sweet restraint.
I sensed his interest.
Off the leash has led to many, frustrations and altercations.
I looked around. It was cold, and some droplets of rain were falling. The beach was pretty empty.
I paused briefly, as he sought assurance in my face. I let him loose on those birds, knowing full well he did not have a chance. I would have never done it had I thought otherwise.
What joy I beheld, as he seemed amazingly enthralled with the idea that he should chase these creatures.
At last he remembered who he really was. I was like an overprotective mother hovering over and not trusting that some unleashed beast would suddenly appear and wreak havoc on his joyful moment.
But the moment was not stolen away from that old pup renewed!
This dog who walks the edges of the shore and runs from the rolling in waves dashed toward those precious plovers, given to the thrill of the chase and hope of a catch. Into the wave kissed shore toward the water; not too deep. Yet. I laughed and felt the pleasure of his moment, with an ever doting presence of my own.
Always cautious, ever suspicious the moment will be robbed. At last realizing we would enjoy this gift and momentary pleasure together. I leashed him back up as we came to the parking lot. I saw him notice the gathering of sea gulls. He glanced at them, and back at me, eyes pleading approval. I dropped the leash and watched as the gulls easily stole away.
Ah, but the joy of it.
I would not let him be deprived of it.
The fleeting moment, beautiful.
The day he remembered he was a dog.
Friend, God has spontaneous moments of joy prepared for you. He delights in you as you delight in Him and receive from him with thanksgiving each moment fearlessly. Let’s consider embracing all He gives with thanksgiving. Trusting in His goodness. Not expecting to be robbed of it, like I was in the story…suspiciously awaiting the Goliath moment; almost allowing fear to rob the present joy.
I am learning this…even as I walk the beach with my sweet pup.
One day at a time.
Seeing his joy and the way he forgot his fear of the water and waves in the moment reminded me that I too, need to be fearless in embracing the future with my faithful God.
I need to Fear Less.
Trust more.
Embrace each moment as a gift from the Giver of good things.
Shall we run toward the waves, fearlessly?
Will we trust, repenting and fleeing from the sins of doubt and fear of the unknown?
Will we embrace faith running toward the everlasting arms?
Are you ready?
On Your Mark- Let’s Go!
We all win, dear one. Of this you can be sure!
I did it at the start of the year…perhaps this is another in my lessons of Less for the year.
For to the man that pleaseth him God giveth wisdom, and knowledge, and joy...
Ecclesiastes 2:26
Here are the pictures I snapped, in the order of the story.
I completely dedicate this writing to my friend Susie and her new fur baby, Layla, in light of the current growing pains the family is experiencing during their adjustment period!
Be ready for joy in unexpected moments!
Linking up with Bonnie at Faith Barista!
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
THANK YOU DAWN! This was so sweet and fun and the message is not lost on me at all. Thanks for thinking of me and our “adjustment time” in puppy-world! I think I will put a link to this on my blog to return the favor!Love you…even though we've never met.:)
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Oh, as a dog lover, I just adored this post, and all the wonderful pics of Banjo. What a grand lesson, too. :)Thanks, Dawn!
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I love animals too – especially dogs. I'm stopping by to say hello and wishing you a happy St. Pat's day! sandie
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LOVED this! We deny ourselves those unleashed moments far too often and miss out on so much.I have to admit to a few sniffles, too, as I thought about how much my Scooby would have loved a day at the beach.
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Great post. My Lab would that same Pup on a beach!..Thanks for the Heart-Warming post!-3sonshavei from Meme Hop!
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We have a half Lab/Beagle mix. She is the sweetest thing ever. They really are mans best friend. MaryStopping by from Mother Only has 2 Hands Hop!
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I love your writing! I would definitely read your book. Your dog is lucky to have you and that beach to romp on. 🙂
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