August 27 - “Pacing Puppy”

Did you get to enjoy the gentle rumblings of the late-night thunderstorm that passed our way Sunday night? Ah, there is nothing quite like being still and anticipating the next stirring of sound, protected as you are by the roof overhead and the warm blanket around you. Sigh. 

Well ... Our experience wasn’t anything like that. See, we have our very own forecaster, undoubtedly trained by the Weather Channel under Jim Cantore. About thirty minutes before the rumblings began, Freddy … well, began. 

Now, generally, her usual spot for napping the first part of most nights, before she leaves for parts unknown in the rest of the house and the great outdoors of the back yard is at the foot of our bed. And that beginning of the evening was the same. Lights out. All’s well. 

That is until about thirty minutes before those first rumblings. Our sweet little puppy dog became quite agitated. She paced and circled at the foot of the bed over and over. Just the hint of a whine escaped her. It is difficult for humans to find a comfortable spot when a little dog has incorporated your feet and legs into an Olympic racetrack. Soon I adjusted some covers for her and created a fine spot that she could claim as her own. 

And then the actual thunder began. Oh, my. Suddenly the confines of the track expanded dramatically. Now not just feet and legs were involved. Oh, no. Now she tromped on backs and stomachs and shoulders - anything that stood in her way in an irrational race to be right next to our head, to curl up on our pillows, touching head and ears and, yes, faces if need be. 

And that’s not all. As if the positioning wasn’t enough, she garnished it with panting. Loud panting. Doggie breath in your nose loud panting. Inconsolable panting. And did I mention it was loud?  

I finally got up and made sure the computer was unplugged. I watched a few rounds of the lightning and heavy rains show. I checked on our new lawn mower that is parked on the back porch under the deck. And finally, I trudged back to bed, turned on the light, and worked another crossword puzzle. 

Freddy was no better. Chris finally grabbed her and held an arm across her to keep her in one spot and assure her that we understood the presence of a thunderstorm in the vicinity. I finally managed to drift off as the last, now-distant dull roar of the skies faded. 

Oh, and yes. I was awake again at 5:00. No thunder. No pacing puppy. Just time to wake up. Thanks, internal body clock. Wouldn’t want to miss anything. 

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ says, Therefore, be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.

Father, thanks for you for the refreshing rain. We did need it. Amen.