A Lesson from a Lost Dog

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For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14

I had been sitting in my car, scrolling through my phone for meal ideas, when I realized I was not alone. I heard the crunching of grass nearby and looked up to see a pair of brown eyes locked on me.

It was a beautiful pit bull who looked clean, well loved, and well fed. This was clearly someone’s pet. My husband Chris and I had no idea whose dog it was, so I decided to ask around.

Knocking on doors, I met neighbors I had only waved at before. One spoke through a Ring camera, another peeked from behind their curtain, and one chatted warmly while their dog barked in the background.

At the last house, Veronica opened the door in her pajamas, her eyes widening as I explained. “That’s my dog!” she said, laughing. We exchanged a few warm words and even phone numbers before I headed back home.

As I walked back to my house, I could not help but think about how easy it is to live in the same neighborhood and not really know each other. We’re all busy, caught in our own routines, but this dog reminded me of something far more important—it reminded me of what it really means to love your neighbor.

Jesus did not teach us to love only when it is convenient or easy. True love, the kind He calls us to, often looks like slowing down when we would rather rush by. You never know who you may meet and how you could be encouraged with just a conversation. Where can you be a light today? Who might need your kindness, your care, or just your presence?

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Overcoming Fear’s Shadows

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“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the yard as my mom sprinted to safety, her heart pounding. She was just a child, convinced someone was right behind her.

Her older brother had planted the idea in her mind, telling her that every time she stepped outside, a stranger was waiting to catch her. It was only much later that she discovered the “person” chasing her was nothing more than her own shadow.

That story has stayed with me, and I reflect on it often whenever fear begins to creep into my life. It paints such a vivid picture of how fear works.

It is easy to feel trapped in those moments, but I have learned something about shadows—they only have power when we let them. When my mom finally stopped running, she realized there was nothing to be afraid of. Similarly, when I have chosen to turn toward the light in my life, I have found peace waiting for me.

Maybe you have been running too, trying to escape something that feels overwhelming. What if you stopped, just for a moment, to see what is really behind you? You might find that the fear holding you back is just a shadow, powerless in the presence of God’s light.

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Preparing for Miracles

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“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hebrews 11:1

It is hard to believe he is finally here. As I rock baby Dunn in my arms, I cannot help but think back to the chaos of those days before he arrived.

Weekends working on his nursery were filled with paint-splattered clothes, late night Johnny’s pizza, and endless stacks of diapers waiting to be organized. Our house was a mess, but our hearts were full.

Years before, when we faced the painful reality of infertility, my husband and I could have let fear stop us. But deep in our hearts, we knew God had a different plan. So we prayed. We did not stop there—we acted as though God’s answer was already on the way.

We began filling drawers with wipes and baby clothes long before there was any sign our prayers would be answered. To anyone else, it might have looked ridiculous, but to us those small steps were a way of saying, “We believe.”

I will not pretend any of it was easy. But the moment his tiny hand wrapped around my finger, I knew every late night and tear-filled prayer was worth it. I see now how those small acts of preparation strengthened me. They gave me something tangible to lean on when uncertainty felt overwhelming.

If the Lord has placed a dream on your heart, go ahead and begin preparing for it. One day, you will look back and realize every step of faith you take, even if it feels hard or impossible, has a purpose.

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