I believe that God sends us encouragement in unexpected ways. Let me explain....late this afternoon, I went out to run. I don't usually run late in the day. We run in the early morning when life is pretty quiet and the weather is cool. AND...it was hot and the streets were busy, and I was running without my running partner, Melynda. {Melynda is on a much needed vacation} Needless to say, it was my choice to run...this time of day~because I chose to sleep in. ANYWAY, I was about a 1/2 mile into my run when anxiety and doubt began to take over.
And then a funny thing happened to me: I ran by a dog and his home. Melynda and I have passed by this dog, a dozen times. On a quiet morning, the dog may or may not notice us and we have never seen the dog's owner. Well, today was totally different. I passed by a house...and a dog began to bark. {Not helping my mental state because I have a little fear of unknown animals} And...I mean really bark.
BARK! BARK! BARK! BARK!
Then...Someone yelled something from inside the home. {I can only assume he/she was yelling at or about the dog} Then...I heard someone announce:
"Oh, it's just a runner!".
I thought: "Yes, I am...and I can do this, today!"
I almost laughed, out loud~Because I felt encouraged by a barking dog and the cranky owner. Just minutes before I ran by the dog...I had been praying and asking God to calm my fear. God is good and he may have a sense of humor. Isn't it great to be reminded that God cares about us?! Despite how big or small the situation/problem may be~it really does matter to HIM. Some people may argue that it was a coincidence and God wasn't in that moment. But, I believe that HE was...and besides, it was my moment.
2 years ago
13 comments:
What a lovely post! I choose to believe He was there too! :)
Many Blessings!
Way to go! God is a great encourager...even through barking dogs :) thanks for sharing! I wonder if our dog has encouraged anyone...heehee...just kidding...he barks at leaves! I love this post and for reminding us God is in the little things!
You go girl!
I really think it's amazing the runner you've become! You inspired me to get up off the couch and tackle running again! Thanks!
It's an amazing reminder to see that He's always there...even in the little things. Thanks for sharing.
Loved this post. I love getting little pieces of encouragement from our God.
You are amazing. I am so proud of you. You can do it without me, but I prefer you not!:) You encourage me more than you will ever know both on the running field and in life. I have been running out here in California-it is just not the same without you. Thank you for being my running partner and my friend!
I believe God is in the small things too! We just need to choose to see Him!
oh thank you so much for sharing! It is amazing how we can find encouragement in such little things!
He is always using everyday stuff like that to teach me. I love it.
ok - THAT is how I feel about painting!!! When people who don't know me call me an artist it just blows me away!!!
And kudos for you and running!!
Don't you love that God will use everything around us, even barking dogs, to speak His love to us?!
Oh, that is funny. And you know what? He does send encouragement in unexpected ways. I happened upon your blog today when I really needed a "push". Thank you!
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