today's walk with Jesus

We just got a new puppy.

That may sound exciting to most, but I don't really like puppies.  I know that sounds absurd, but they require so much attention, care, and training - something that I know I won't enjoy adding into my day.  We said goodbye our gorgeous White Lab, Jaxx, last fall and currently have this gorgeous mutt named Ylarra.  Ylarra was slightly aggressive and territorial until Jaxx passed and her personality changed significantly.  She became sweeter and her aggression disappeared, yet she became more anxious.  A few months ago we began to think that adding another dog to our home for her (and for everyone else, if I'm being honest) would be helpful.  ​
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Jaxx, our White Lab, was remarkably calm, affectionate and loyal.  He needed very little and spoiled me as a dog owner.  I really wanted a low key dog that needed very little but I knew that was going to be hard to find. I also wanted an older dog that was already housebroken and somewhat trained. I also loved that my current mutt was an intermediate size - not too big and not too small.  Lastly, I wanted to rescue a dog that needed a home.  My husband wanted a large breed puppy he could train from the beginning and I found myself feeling stressed out just thinking about the differences in our desires.

I began to pray. I needed to talk to my best friend about my wishes, my requests, my hopes and dreams. I needed to let go of what I wanted and allow Him to bring a dog into my life of His design. 

This past weekend we were introduced to this gorgeous Anatolian Shepard puppy that had a paw with crooked toes.  We brought her home yesterday and today I sat in tears this morning as I read my morning devotional.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not onto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

This morning I woke up with a 15 year old dog inside the body of a puppy.  She is content to sleep most of the time, lay around, is just slightly curious, and made it through the whole night without an accident. God provided what my husband desired and what I desired at the same time. I trusted my Savior.  I leaned on him when I couldn't understand the future and was uncomfortable and stressed out. I acknowledged Him in our search and was willing to go where he was leading me. 

My God is wonderfully present in my life and I can see his fingerprints on most things, but this puppy is the manifestation of my prayers.  One I couldn't see coming. She is a reminder of how good my God is, how faithful he is, and how he answers prayers. 

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