I recently took my two dogs out to do their business and, as I stood on the back deck, patiently waiting for them to sniff, explore, pee, and more, I enjoyed the cool feel of this beautiful morning.
I saw at least two cardinals fly overhead, one sat on my neighbor’s fence for a time, allowing me to appreciate his vibrant red feathers. I saw a neighborhood dog roaming the streets several houses from my own. I saw the sun peeking through the puffy white clouds just overhead.
As I was lost in deep thoughts of what I needed to accomplish at work that day, I happened to see movement out of the corner of my eye. It was a lady walking, then…. several feet behind her (not on a leash) was her little dog, somewhat lagging behind.
Atlas, my trusty little black cockapoo, gets rather excitable when he sees other dogs, or people….or anything, really. He had not yet spotted this free-range dog roaming just one yard away from our own backyard.
Trying to avoid an early morning scene, in which I was forced to run through the neighbor’s yard to rescue my dog from his somewhat aggressive attempt to scare the lady walking with her little canine, I strategically called Atlas to the back deck.
He came willingly, still having not spotted the lady walking with her dog in the distance. I know her dog spotted my two dogs because he stopped on the sidewalk and stared directly at Atlas, causing me to hold my breath and move like lightening to get my own little dog inside before he spotted the other dog.
I know if Atlas noticed this dog, it would have been an all-out bark fest and while likely that would be the extent of the aggression, I had not the time nor the energy to deal with it. I quickly placed myself in the line of sight between Atlas and the mystery dog and ushered him inside for his breakfast.
Crisis averted!
As I was thinking this scenario over, it occurred to me how God must sometimes feel toward his children. I believe that at times, He calls us to things we do not understand…to protect us from things we cannot see. Just like I do with my own little furry companion.
The Lord says,
“I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.”
psalm 32:8
Perhaps that friendship that fizzled out and sorta broke your heart was a blessing in disguise and saved you from future heartache.
Maybe the job offer that failed to pan out was simply keeping you open for a better suited position which has yet to present itself.
I wonder if that health issue you are facing is preparing you for a blessing of healing, but your current suffering is providing a reassuring testimony for others, closely following your journey, and lifting you up diligently in prayer.
These days, there are so many devastating things happening in our world. It can be overwhelming (and heartbreaking) just sitting through a half hour session of the local news.
While we may not understand certain decisions that are made, or the lawlessness shown in our local communities, or the rights seemingly stripped from countless Americans in our midst, could it be possible that these very signs are propelling us toward a strong desire to take action, stand up for our beliefs, listen to our fellow residents, and come together with a common theme of making America great again?
Related: Some Things are Not Meant to be, But God’s Path for us is
We cannot possibly know what the future holds or what dangers lurk in the distant shadows. Yet, through faith, we know that our God does know these things. And he is either preparing his children, or protecting his children, likely both, for what is soon to come.
We may not know what the future holds, but knowing who holds the future is a comfort like none other.
I, for one, am thankful He sees what my failing human eyes cannot see, and protects me from what likely is not even a blip on my radar.
In addition to thanking God for the obvious blessings in life, don’t forget to thank him for those not so apparent. The very blessings that may just save us…from ourselves.
