Nothin' but a Hound Dog...

Ted, our beloved church dog, is USUALLY a very sweet, spiritually grounded member of our welcome team. I was reminded yesterday morning, though, that beneath his gentle, unassuming facade, there lies a Hound Dog... and his inner hound dog became captivated in the early morning hours with the scent of a fox.

I saw the momma fox as I was tending to our labyrinth. She was keeping an eye on me. Ted saw her, too, and chased her into the woods before coming back proud and content. I was not too concerned about the fox. She was a fast mover and had a strong headstart.

After reporting back to me, Ted eventually wandered back into the tree line. That's when I heard it: the unmistakably terrifying sound of two wild animals hissing and yelping in a battle of life and death. One of them was Ted.

I now know the full depth of my vocal abilities as my screams of "No! No! No!!!" echoed past the church where Shawn heard me over the sound of his radio. But it did no good. Animal instincts has clicked in and Ted was completely oblivious to my presence.

As I trecked toward the commotion, I could see him shaking a small, furry body in his teeth. A baby fox. When he completed his task, he dropped the little one and headed back to me, proud and content.

It was a lesson for me in free will. It didn't matter how loudly I yelled, it did not matter. Ted was not listening. He was on auto-pilot doing his Hound Dog 'thang. Animal instincts. Total reaction. I've never been so frightened for him. If I could have thrown a blanket of safety around him, I would have...

I wonder how often in my life, God has been there on the peripherals shouting to me, "No! No! No!!! Don't make that mistake AGAIN!" And how many times I have been too much on autopilot to pay any attention. It has served as a reminder to be present, to listen, and trust that I DO have a safety blanket around me. It is called: Faith. The secret is in the remembering.

May you go forth today remembering...

P.S. Baby Fox was a bit dazed and traumatized, but seems to have pulled through. Ted still doesn't know what he did "wrong," and I am doing hot lemon water therapy to restore my tired vocal chords. Sounds like the makings of a good Disney movie...