So yesterday I learned a lesson. Maybe I internalized a lesson.
We were asked to watch 3 dogs for someone while they were on a trip. No problem. The children were given very explicit directions to do everything they could to prevent one particular dog from escaping. I helped one child in the house while two others were out taking care of the dogs in the kennel, which they had done 6 times without incident. When I walked out I was greeted by " MOM! MOM! She is getting away! She is running down the street!"
Seriously? It was caged! You were warned over and over again not to let her out! Grumble grumble.
Let me set the stage for you here. There is a hound dog running down the street. There are 3 children, one bare foot, chasing after. We have the ultra friendly well behaved dog who thinks this is a grand adventure tagging along. And then we have me, 6 months pregnant, attempting to chase down the dog. It was 90 degrees.
I was not pleased. "How hard was it to keep the dog in the cage? You knew she would be hard to catch. You were warned multiple times. " All of this running through my head. But the thought also came to me " You need to say a prayer if this is going to end well and soon."
But I can't pray for help while I rant about my children. I had to choose. I don't know about you, but on occasion I kind of enjoy something to be upset over ( this is not my finest quality). But being angry does not bring the dog back faster. Giving it up, and just saying a prayer does.
So I let go of my nasty thoughts, said a prayer, and captured a dog. Within less then ten minutes the whole thing was over.
I can not get the help I need if I am using up my thought space on other, particularly unkind or impatient thoughts.
I am grateful I had the opportunity to have that lesson reemphasized to me.
