God Sends a Friend

It was a cold windy evening. The damp wind blowing off the Bay has you feeling as if you are chilled to the bone. Your day has been hectic. The meal you prepared for supper was eaten with out any compliments or complaints. You cleaned up the kitchen trying to remember your Mom's words. "A sink full of dirty dishes meant someone had their needs satisfied and you have shared a bit of love in your special way." Now you stare into the empty Bay praying for God's guidance. The shore birds are settling in for the night and the silence makes this an almost church like atmosphere.

You have heard all the advice "This too will pass, but what are you going to do in the mean time" rings in your ears. You know you are strong because God made you that way but how can you handle this alone. "God I need help, and I need it now!" is the only prayer that makes any sense. You breath in through your nose and blow out through your mouth just as the old Navajo Shaman has taught you. You breath again and pray. "Please God send me your strength and courage. Send me a friend to help!"

You hear foot steps coming and wonder if you have shouted your prayers out loud. Just then a huge 250 pound coal black Newfoundland ambles towards you. The gentle giant smells your feet, then your outstretched hand. He circles you twice then lies down next to you and lays his head in your lap. As you stroke his coarse fur, your body and mind relaxes. You begin to talk with this four legged friend and he listens.... You feel as if he understands your words and emotions.

The weight of his head in your lap, the warmth of his breath blowing across your body, the stroking of his fur, has brought you a feeling of safety and security. The path of solution is now clear to you, just as if it was Divine Inspiration. You drift into a deep sleep knowing you are safe.

When you awake the sun is coming over the horizon. The gentle giant is gone, leaving only his paw prints in your heart. You know in your heart he was sent to help you as an answer to your prayers. You drop to your knees to pray remembering once again the words of the old Navajo Shaman. "If I begin my day facing the right direction (ie:on my knees), the rest of the day I need only walk forward."

You smell coffee brewing. Walking toward the kitchen your spouse sheepishly smiles and says "I forgot to tell you how great the super was last night, please forgive me." This is going to be a great day!!! Mizpah ;-}}>