MAN'S BEST FRIEND EMERGES FROM THE SHADOWS

It's been quite a while since I've had some direction from my Golden Retriever, Mason.  If you'll recall in earlier posts, my great buddy has had a habit of saying the right things ....just when I needed some assurance or when there was something of importance he wanted me to know.

Realize Mason communicates through a bark or two, his low growls, a series of whines or a perk of his head when the TV or radio are blaring.   This morning I had the tube on as I was getting ready for a day of work.  I wasn't really concentrating on the cable show...it was really serving as background noise more than anything.

He's at it again!!!!

I happened to glance over at Mason where he had his attention focused squarely on the "box".  That was my cue to stop and watch.  Here is what the message was for me and no doubt many of you.  Picture a person who has experienced much and learned even more.  Here is the story.

"One day at a time.”  "That is my favorite saying as I live as a cancer survivor", the guest said. "Whether I am working at my job as an assistant high-school principal or officiating on the sports field, living one day at time has many implications; but the most important is that I need God to get me through each day no matter what I am doing or confronting.

On difficult days at school, I may pray for help as I work with a problem student. On the sports field, I ask God to help me make the right call. And as a cancer survivor, I thank God each day for my life.

For Christians, “one day at time” can mean starting and ending the day with Christ, whether it is through prayer and reading the Bible or listening to others as they witness to their faith through meditations in The Upper Room. Nahum 1:7 says: “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Our Creator is present with each and every one of us, every day of our lives.

When the interview ended I looked over at Mason figuring he'd slid to floor level for some after breakfast rest.  Not so.  His mug was still focused, intently at the images before him.  And then, slowly he turned his head towards me.  As our eyes met, I could see a twinkle of contentment in his baby browns.  Like he'd done a good deed.

I needed to be reminded of "one day at a time" and how important it is to live in the present and not in the past or the future.  Yup, Mason your did your good work.

Later on in the morning I had a video forwarded to me.  A "must" see, was the tagline.   Guess what it was.  A dog video for crying out loud.  As I watched in amazement at the characters before me, the overriding thought I came away with is just how important and loyal dogs are to us.  Take a watch and see if you don't agree courtesy of Pilobolus Dance Theatre in..."Shadowland".  This is for you Mace.

Thanks Mason.  One Day at a Time. 

YGG,

John