As I watched my little dog Copper sit on the edge of the truck’s tailgate, I could see that he was really pondering whether he should jump off …. or not.  Half of him was ready to jump. His weight was partially shifted forward , but the other half was keeping him anchored in place. He is getting older and his vision is getting worse and worse and he is almost blind. I couldn’t help but hear a “ prompting” . I think we have all been faced with opportunities sometimes that have  required us to “ take a chance” ,or to “ make the first move” , or to “ jump in” . And sometimes these choices are “doing the right thing” , standing up for someone who needs help , speaking out on injustice, or even stepping out to take care of ourselves ( changing jobs, allowing ourselves to begin to enjoy life a little without feeling guilty, or even forgiving others as well as ourselves). Sometimes it’s easier to sit on the side and let life pass us by.

As I watched my little dog ponder, after a few minutes he actually leaned forward and then he did it. He made the jump and actually landed on his feet!  I was so inspired by his courage. Sometimes we know we should “ jump in”  and take a chance with something, but  like Copper , we can’t completely see what will happen or see the outcome clearly. It’s in these moments that I am learning to “ listen” for the “ promptings” and to hold on to my faith so that I can know what I should do. I could have so easily missed this . I know this “ prompting” or message was truly meant for me and I am thankful.