Day 232; Footnotes of Knowing Who To Run To When Feeling Afraid

There I was, minding my own business for once, doing my household chores when my phone rang. For probably the third time, mom was calling. I honestly don’t mind though, I’m just glad to still be receiving those calls. She asked if I were busy. Since I wasn’t doing anything that couldn’t wait, I told her no and asked what she needed. Seems that my brother was coming to fix their hot water heater and dad had company coming and she wondered if I would drive her to get a pot pie from KFC. Sure mom, just let me get my shoes on. 

As we are headed away from the house, we pass my brother headed for her house. He blinked his truck’s headlights as he passed and I waved in response. I told mom that my brother had flashed me and I was going to tell his wife. Mom just shook her head. She wasn’t feeding that particular troll.

 On the way, we get behind a car in which the driver forgot what the acceleration pedal was for. Either that or the car couldn’t go over fifteen miles an hour. Thankfully they turned at the next intersection. I didn’t recall asking for patience, but seemed that I was getting a lesson.

We finally reach the small town that we had to pass through only to find ourselves at the back of a line of vehicles that seemed to stretch all the way through town. Finally reaching the restaurant, we go inside and she places her order. She had asked me repeatedly if I wanted anything and I finally said a sweet tea. Just so she would feel less like she was taking advantage of me. She isn’t. We get back to the car and head for home. There is still a line of vehicles that stretch bumper to bumper through town. Did I hit the, everyone in the county must pass through here at this time hour? If so, I think they imported a few from neighboring counties.

 I managed to get mom home safely and their meal was still warm. Making sure she got inside I drove back up to my house and went inside. I managed to get Molly to go back outside but not Bella. Since Bella wouldn’t go outside, I decided to check the carport for kittens. They weren’t anywhere that I could see and I’ve only seen one of them today. So Itty Bitty must have moved them somewhere. I simply have no idea where. She is still sticking close to the house so I’m hoping they aren’t far. Fuzzy and her kittens are still showing up and eating regularly and even allowing me to start petting them now. So maybe there is hope. 

I did accidentally manage to pull one over on Bella. I grabbed a baseball cap to get my hair up off my shoulders. She thought I was going somewhere and she wanted to go along. I walked to the front door, opened it wide and she ran out. When I closed the door she turned and looked at me in a way that would have made a lessor person feel guilty. Instead I came back in here to finish scrolling through blog postings.

 She wasn’t outside long though. Not long after she went outside I heard the first rumble of thunder in the distance. Both dogs were at the door immediately. Since the storm wasn’t close, and they could see me through the storm door, they didn’t panic. They whined a bit, but I was strong. Right up until the storm arrived with thunder that sounded as if that giant in the clouds had bowled a strike.  The windows didn’t rattle but I’m not sure why they didn’t.

 I let both dogs inside and they immediately both tried to get under my desk. Molly weighs just over sixty pounds and Bella just under so we’re not talking small dogs. I managed to get Molly out from under my desk and prevent Bella from getting under there. Neither dog was happy as they stayed as close to me as possible and stared out the door. Molly crying pitifully with each rumble of thunder. When the rain started I knew I needed to check and make sure the drain was clear so the water wouldn’t back up.

Thankfully the storm didn’t last long. As the  sounds of thunder grew distant the dogs calmed. When I no longer heard it, I managed to get Molly outside. When Molly barked at who knows what, Bella wanted to go out and bark some herself. 

Its so funny though. These two big dogs, are supposed to be my protectors and they are. Most of the time. They will stand up to other dogs, cats, bumble bees and any and every truck no matter the size that drives down the road. Pull down my drive or walk up to my gate, you’re going to be met at the gate by dogs with big teeth. They will protect their territory and their pack. Unless it thunders, then its different. Then, they come running to me. Then, they want to be as close to me as they can possibly manage, needing me, to protect them. 

I’m learning better every day, with every storm and struggle, that my real protector is not my dogs. My real shelter, my real strong tower and mighty fortress, is my God. I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. I have had my share of struggles and battles. There have been many times when I have wandered in the dark, feeling alone and afraid. Over the course of time, I have learned how to be still and listen. I have learned to be still and be comforted. I have learned, to set aside my worries and fears and allow God to handle the storms. Listening for His voice over the winds. Bringing a peace to my spirit that wouldn’t happen any other way. I’m not perfect, I will face storms and struggles as long as I walk this life. It is when I realize that I am allowing the storms to bring about moments of fear and doubt, that I get still and hand them over, release them to the One who is all powerful and mighty.

 The thunderstorm here is long over, my two dogs are outside playing and barking ever so often at the dark or maybe one of the cats. Bella may be barking in an attempt to get the owl to respond. The neighbor is playing his music, the crickets are singing and a soft breeze is coming in the open windows. All is well, all is at peace. There is no need to fear.