October 7, 2024
“God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries.” ~ Psalm 19:10 The Message
Thursday afternoon the rains had finally receded, and the sun shone through the clouds. With Jackson and Izzy on their leash, we headed down the driveway and set out on a walk. I noticed a Toyota stopped in front of our house, and assumed it was a customer waiting to pull into the driveway across the street. Not too many steps later, I heard a car approaching from behind me, and walked toward the curb to let it pass.
Then the car stopped. Right in the middle of the street. Next to me and the pups. I wondered if we were being stalked, or if the driver needed directions. Down rolled the driver’s window and a woman a few years older than me appeared. I asked if she needed directions. She said “No” and opened her door with a big smile on her face. She had some dog treats in her hand, and asked if she could give some to the dogs. Based on the wagging of tails as the dogs approached her and sat waiting to receive I responded, “Sure.”
I made a comment about the stuffed dogs in her car, and she went on to tell me this story. “My husband died a year ago, and I miss him dearly. And then a few months ago, our dog died. I don’t want to get a new dog because it hurts so much when they die. So I carry dog treats with my everywhere I go and see it as my purpose to treat the dogs. She needed no thanks from me, for the dogs’ wagging tails said it all. But I needed to thank her for being kind to the pups.
We went on our way, and she backed up to turn around and drive home. I am still wondering about the interaction. I am not sure who helped who the most. I imagine that God loves to give to us, and notices with great pleasure when we “wag our tails and sit, waiting for the treat.” The pups’ enthusiasm provided praise about their pleasure without words. And I, moving from fears about stalkers to awe at this woman’s purpose, and her preparation to be stocked with treats. Who helped who? Every participant, even me.
God’s word, lived out in dog treats, was better than diamonds, for all of us. If only I approached our abundant, searching God with such enthusiasm. ~ Anne
Wayfinding 