I enjoy my walks in the early morning hours. My canine friends do as well, and most mornings, you will see the four of us walking down from the house to the road. It’s a calming and gentle time; most mornings, that is. I enjoy the time to meditate as I walk and reflect on my life.
As we walk, the birds sing their morning songs as we pass them by. The cows stir from their rest and on occasion will quietly “moo” their morning greetings. The wild rabbits however, are on alert, as we approach their habitats under the ground. They will run with speed away from us when they sense they may be bothered by the dogs.
I enjoy watching the dogs smell, and follow alongside of me. Their senses are on the up and up and their frolic and curiousity at times make me laugh as we move right along. The one dog, however, that stays at my side is my oldest. She is 13 years of age and her maturity is evident both in spirit and in action.
She walks slowly, pacing her steps as gracefully as possible. I admire her tenacity and steadfastness. She is determined to finish the walk with us every morning. She disregards the pain in her joints and moves steadily, and patiently. At times, she will stop and observe her surroundings. She will look at me, and I stop with her and wait.
When she is ready, she begins the walk again. I talk with her and let her know she has been such a faithful and loyal friend. She has been with us since she was a pup and has guarded and watched out for us all these years. I tell her I appreciate her loyalty and that I have learned much from her steadfastness and courage to continue even in pain and adversity of her old age.
Her steadfastness has been a lesson to mine. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 And, during those “stop” times of our walk as she observes and watches her surroundings, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul telling the Corinthians, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men/women, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Yes, my morning jaunts have been inspiring and learning expeditions. The Lord speaks to us in many ways…we just have to carefully listen.
ritasalomon 