THE MOSTLY PEACEFUL WEEK—MOSTLY

365 Days of Thanksliving — Day 266

I think sometimes I take for granted the good life we’ve been gifted by the good Lord. This kinda hit me this evening, albeit softly, as we descended into the chillbox to turn on the tube and relax.

As I quickly reflected on the week behind, I couldn’t think of a single moment of conflict, anxiety, or anything upsetting… well, except for one. I suppose I should tell ya about it since I just hinted at it.

Monday evening… I think. Yeah, in doing the ‘math’ it had to be Monday. I let the mutts out back to take care of business before turning in. As I stepped outside, I noticed a lightning show to the north that totally didn’t disappoint. In fact, it was quite an awesome sight. Being lazy and all, I called Danielle (literally from my iPhone): “Come on out here. You gotta see the sky.” Moments later, she joined me and the boys.

Well, just then, at like 10:30 at night, our 5-year-old boxer, Arlo, let out a loud woof at who-knows-what. That startled his younger brother, Gus, who took off like a banshee toward the house. In the process, his metal lead (sheathed in that rubbery plastic stuff) cinched itself around my lower shin like a noose and quickly sliced into my flesh—a cut and a rope burn, actually.

Immediately, the pain hit like a scorching razorblade. Blood started to gush, my mouth started to cuss, and I yelled at the mutts like a demon-possessed sailor to get their “hind ends” in the house. Inside, with blood dripping down my leg, Danielle did some doctorin’ on the wound, and then we crawled into bed.

I was so angry at Gus that I banished the boys from the bed. I was going to “show them.” That lasted all of five minutes before they did exactly what boxers do: whatever they want. Even while hurting, I can’t stay mad at my boyos… they’re just dogs, after all, doing as dogs do.

Besides, what kind of human would I be to not forgive my dogs (who don’t have the capacity to intentionally harm), when I’ve asked God’s forgiveness for the intentional sins I’ve committed? Perhaps that’s a sermon illustration for another time. I digress.

Other than that bit of excitement, it was a peaceful week. And for that mostly peaceful and pleasant week, I have the good Lord above to thank. Now, I’m chillaxing on the couch with a boxer using me as a living pillow, and life is good. A fitting way to end the week, and to start a week of staycation to do nothing but… I guess we’ll see?

Anyway, what are you thankful for on this fourth Sunday in August?