The Puppy Principle
What a tiny dog teaches us about transition.
I am writing part of this with a puppy on my lap. His warmth is helpful on my bare skin as the AC blasts on this early September day—September, by the way; how in the world are we at September already?
Now that the chaos of summer has simmered down, I can give you a quick update on life. Eric and I moved into our house and have been at work unpacking, organizing, and making it our home. The biggest plot twist of the season, however, comes in the shape of a squiggly, seven pound Beaglier puppy named Alfie.
We were not looking to add to our family, but one night after discussing a possibility of a puppy down the road, we went online to look at Cavalier mixes and a photo of this little Beagle/Cavalier King Charles Spaniel popped up at a rescue in St. Paul. After a few days of emails and applications, phone calls and video chat, we hopped in our Jeep the last Saturday of July, drove 5 hours and 20 minutes, and picked up our Alfie.
Though it took quite a bit of unexpected adjustment for Eric and I, Alfie has been nothing but sweet and adaptable, smart and loving. He’s been the best disruption and we can’t imagine our home without him. We just got back from a long weekend on Washington Island, where we introduced Alfie to our favorite places and people. He was a wonderful traveler and loved all the smells and sun!
I don’t know where the beginning of September finds you, but no matter what you’re slipping into this month, transitions are change, and change is change, no matter how good or bad. Let change come, and be gentle on yourself. You’re growing a new way to lean into the unexpected, and that takes time. But it will ultimately be good, and you’ll stand stronger, and stand with new skills that you never could have imagined. Growth, no matter how long or painful, is good.
Book Recommendation
Invitation to Silence and Solitude by Ruth Haley Barton
If you’ve been clamoring for a little quiet, this is your chance to learn how to slow down and set your soul to the pace it’s made for. Barton follows the story of the life-worn prophet Elijah, how he restores and refuels, and the practical and spiritual ways our lives can look a lot more healthier in the environment of silence and solitude
From the Blog
Feel Life Again
I am learning to feel life again.
The sensations from slight movements,
the sharpness of songbirds who seem
as if they’ve just arrived,
the tears that drizzle down my cheeks
and splatter onto my sleeping pants.
Is the light streaming in from the windows
brighter than they’ve been?
Is the stillness amplified from
sensitively tuned ears?
Earth is being born before me;
I am its midwife, readying
my hands and heart to catch
the life that is coming.
FCA Impact
A Purpose on Point
With a shaved head balanced by a long salt and pepper beard on a deeply tanned face and a muscled frame, it’s no surprise that Brent Ho is a football coach. But in addition to being a football coach, Ho is also a man rooted in God’s Word who is passionate about equipping coaches and athletes alike in Kingdom truth.
Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Ho grew up on the sports field. Married for 28 years to his high school sweetheart Christy, they raised two kids as Ho worked as a career firefighter while coaching football at Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho. Invested in the community for more than 30 years, he intentionally sought out ways to serve and connect.
Until next time, may you feel how loved you are and know that this season is ultimately for good.
His grace to you,
Sarah