Defying Logic

At first, I was somewhat afraid to tell my parents and my mentor that we were leaning towards getting a dog. I felt that it was a somewhat irresponsible decision as far as time and money were concerned. But when I told my parents, they were very understanding and didn't bat an eye. When I told my mentor, she was understanding and almost had the "of course" reaction. So I felt an odd sense of peace about it. It didn't make much actual sense, because even to start everything up (bed, collar, leash, adoption fee, etc) was at least $200.

And then tonight, as Scout and I were walking around the apartment complex, I felt this incredible peace. The world made sense again, I was enjoying a brisk walk with my very well-behaved dog, burning calories and relaxing at the same time.

I have some work I had to take home because I got it under the wire today, and I'm sitting here plugging away on a powerpoint presentation, yet I'm reminded by a little wagging tail that "every little thing's gonna be alright." I'm intentionally listening to some David Crowder Band, which I haven't really felt like doing in a while. It's like the God of the Universe is using this little shaggy dirty mutt to remind me to take some time to just be. Be at home. Be outside on a walk. Be alive!

So tears come to my eyes because I can't remember the last time I really just felt glad to be where I am, which is currently at home, yet working on a project for my church, while Aaron and Nathan laugh in the living room, and occasionally I hear the clink of metal tags on a small black collar. I'm not feeling guilty for being holed up in front of the computer, I'm not feeling sorry for myself over what I don't have yet, and I'm not staying in bed until the last possible minute in the morning anymore. I look forward to getting up, even when I'm tired, to taking Scout outside and feeding her. And then I get to sit on the couch and watch Good Morning America with my coffee and my dog and not feel rushed to do anything in particular.

I'm pretty sure we made the right decision in getting this dog. In fact, I'm pretty sure this decision wasn't all ours, and that somebody was looking out for us and made sure we got just the dog we needed.

Plus it's motivating me to finish reading To Kill A Mockingbird, since I just went with Aaron and Joe's opinion that Scout was one of the most awesome characters to grace the page.

How marvelous, how brilliantly
Luminous, You shine on me
And who can fail to give You awe
To fear You, God, so sovereign and strong
What a glorious day
What a wonderful day, today
What a glorious day
What a wonderful day, today
Glorious day