Goldyn's Mindfulness

He's already eye balling me at the kitchen sink, watching my every move. He is the most attentive and focused dog I have ever had. Once, I caught him watching the second hand of the clock, quite concerned that it continued to move even when he barked at it to stop. Goldyn knows the mind of his master, me. He knows that he can expect a walk and run as soon as I put on my UCLA cap. He sits up straight at the patio door, wagging his tail excitedly but controlled. He's got an eagle eye for things, especially paper towels, tissues, or plastic bottles. Why even this morning when walking out of our bedroom, he went instinctively over to the box of tissues and pulled out one for himself as if he had a runny nose! I don't know what it is with tissues . . . it must be the joy of tearing something up or the need for extra fiber?!

But here we are on this beautiful walk and run today. I am practicing awareness and mindfulness, relishing the mindfulness of God. I breathe in the semi-warm air as Goldyn already begins his rhythmic panting. There are a couple of wild green parrots squawking overhead, and I am looking up at the mountains barren of snow but full of chiseled rocks. It is interesting to me that God's animal creatures are mindful, or perhaps keenly aware and instinctive. Goldyn walks right beside me or behind me, sometimes stepping with a prance, licking my hand as if to say "look at me!" I have learned that our dog picks up our energy, and if we are calm and assertive, the dog will respond controlled as well. Whereas when we are fearful or nervous, the dog will pick up that mood. (Thank you Cesar, The Dog Whisperer). So Goldyn makes me proud these days as he doesn't pull wildly at the leash, and is able to ignore other barking dogs or even horses galloping by. He's just content to run with me, right by my side. So together we run, in the zone, in step with one another, in the same mind. . .

That's when I get it. Just as I am the confident master for Goldyn, the mindful one who is aware of our surroundings and is able to lead him safely, so Jesus is the One who walks and runs with me throughout my day. He doesn't force his way into my life, he doesn't holler when I stray, nor choke up on my leash so much that all my choices are curtailed. No, He's truly like that confident Shepherd, who loves his sheep, each one, even the scrawniest and the meanest. He walks with us each day, ever mindful of our needs. All I need to do is set my mind on Him, just like Goldyn sets his eyes on me . . .

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