I love in a quiet neighbor where people enjoy walking their dogs early in the morning and late in the evenings. There are all kinds of dogs and people. It is fund to watch the way some clearly look to their dogs for protection. Young women striding with confidence, almost matching the strength and alertness of their companion. Older folks walking carefully, their small dogs as well as large ones on high alert, seemingly able to cast a matching air of kindness with a thinly veiled mess with me and you will pay attitude. It is a play that is always evolving with wonderful characters defying categorization.
As I think of the dogs, I find myself missing Mollie. Mollie came from a rescue center in South London. She repaid being rescued with a resolute resolve to protect her family. As a Rhodesian Ridgeback, she knew no fear. She was also by nature and nurture, extremely protective of those she loved.
Our neighborhood has a few Mollies-want-to-be. As I reflect on their behaviors, I find myself wondering who I trust to protect me. As the complete answer unfolds, the following answers come into focus.
Even in my doubt and sense of being undeserving, I aspire to let Divinity always wrap me in arms of protection. I want to be able to repeat the Psalmist words as my own; “God of the Angel Armies, who is like you, powerful and faithful from every angle?” (Psalm 89.8)
I look to the trustworthy friends in my life for protection. I know they have guarded and guided my thoughts, leading me to bigger and better aspirations. They remind me that I can be more even as they life me up as I fall. They protect me when I ignorantly walk into danger.
You and I have lions in our lives, Divine and worthy friends who are living Mollie examples. Because of their actions, I am safer and better. To each, thank-you. I hope to I can repay my debt by living for others in the way you have lived for me.
