Lessons From Ranger…

Typical of me, I “squirrel” easily and 3 months have passed since my last post, “All That is Gold Does Not Glitter”. In that post I shared my experience with Ranger, a very special but temporary Blessing from God.

The past few months have been busy for many of us, especially those in the Southeast who are still managing the impact of Helene and Milton. My heart goes out to all who were severely impacted. With an acute awareness of the struggle and difficulty that many are still maneuvering through, I present this Ode to Ranger in humble reverence. There are important lessons learned from God’s creation ,even in struggle and loss. Yet those matters of the heart that feel harsh and inexplicable are real and far beyond my capacity to ease another’s loss and suffering.

Lessons From Ranger:

First Impressions are just that; nothing more, nothing less. Tolkien wrote about them in “The Riddle of Strider – All that is Gold Does Not Glitter”. Just think about the amazing people in history who might otherwise have been discounted too soon, if judged only by first impression. Ranger is so much more than he first appears.

Trust is built between 2 or more and has room to grow and flourish or to wither and fail. Building anything of worth takes time, patience and hard work. Ranger is worth every ounce of that effort.

Do as Ranger does, Start every day with a vigorous tail wag and you will find it difficult to be discouraged or discouraging to others. In fact you may just find you have a smile that you can’t shake off.

Breathe in deeply (sniff) the beauty of God’s creation. Linger there and let your senses connect you with what has been, what is and what is possible. Ranger can sniff out the most amazing “gems” along the way.

Use every flawed talent God has given you with joy, energy and exuberant expectation of what is yet to come. Watching Ranger zoom is spectacular, exhilarating and a bit like being on a new roller coaster for the first time.

Perceived failure and rejection are just Opportunities to course correct and move onto the more purposeful path you were designed for. Team Ranger can attest to that…. he is beloved by all who cross his path.

It is good to be in a pack/family where Brotherly Love is lived out daily. Ranger wants in on every hug and expression of affection.

Peanut Butter makes everything better…. seriously, if Ranger could talk, he would swear by it….

Be Blessed