It was a cool, crisp morning as I set out on a walk with Maddie and Mabel. For some reason, I felt led to walk my dogs separately, then return them home and continue walking alone. I wanted to reflect on the day, pray, and enjoy the unseasonably cool breezes.
Halfway through the walk, a little white dog ran past, then stopped and turned to look at me for a few seconds before continuing down the road. I’m familiar with most of the dogs on my walking route, but had never seen this one before. He looked like he knew where he was going, and I assumed he was running home.
It was a few minutes later that I felt a nudge on my hand and squealed. The culprit was a beautiful Golden Retriever who was looking up at me with her sweet, enormous eyes. “Oh girl, you look like you belong somewhere!” I patted her head, and she walked with me, frolicking up and down driveways along the way. She seemed to have no idea of her location or destination, but the cool air was giving her energy. After a few minutes, she darted into the street and a passing car almost hit her. I could tell she was not familiar with the surroundings, but I knew she must belong to someone. I lured her over to me with treats I had in my jacket and was disappointed to see there was no tag hanging from her collar.
“Lord, what do I do?” I have a soft spot for Golden Retrievers, and although it was tempting to think about taking her to my home, I couldn’t do it. But I wouldn’t leave her out wandering alone either. As she and I walked together, I prayed God would help me find her owners. For two miles, I talked to her and every few minutes leaned down to give her a reassuring hug. “We’re headed home, girl,” I said, still not knowing where her home was. I wasn’t sure how I was going to fulfill that promise, but I had a peace, and was certain we would eventually locate her owners.
I halted when I noticed that little white dog I had seen earlier sitting in front of the house we were passing. He wasn’t moving but staring intently at my new Golden Retriever friend. Was it possible this was her home? I led the Golden Retriever to the front door, and a second after I pressed the doorbell button, the door flung open.
“You found our girl!” A relieved couple rushed toward the Golden Retriever. “How did you find her? We have been worried sick!”
I told them the story while they hugged her and cried a few tears. They listened as I told them where I found her, the car that barely missed hitting her, and the hunt for home. She had squeezed through a crack in the gate, and wandered far away from home, when they realized. The reunion was joyful, and after enjoying it with them for a few minutes, we said our goodbyes. I gave the dog one last hug before leaving and was walking toward the driveway when I remembered the white dog. I expected to see him sitting in front of the garage door where I had left him, but he was gone. I returned to ask the couple about him, but they told me the white dog didn’t belong to them. Had he led me to the Golden Retriever’s home before he disappeared? I was pretty certain I knew the answer.
Every day, before my feet hit the ground, I pray, “Lord, let nothing in my life be an accident today. Orchestrate every step, every detail.” I changed my walking routine, and God’s hands were leading the way. What happened was no accident. This incident happened one year from the day I said goodbye to Gracie, our beloved Golden Retriever. That was the reason I wanted time to myself that morning to walk and reflect. My heart was grieving for Gracie, but God gave me the opportunity to return another Golden Retriever to her home.
I am thankful for moments like these when I see God’s handprints everywhere. Even if things don’t go according to my plan, everything is happening according to His plan. These small moments are in His hands, reminding me that He is always walking us toward home. We are safe in His arms.
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