Puppy Dogs and Thunder Storms

What a peculiar moment I had at 2am this morning. I was in a peaceful sleep dreaming about warm beaches in Mexico, laying next to my hunk of a dream husband Antonio, and drinking a Mohito. I woke up to a 106 pound dog growling and panting into my face because a thunder storm rolled in. I'm on the third story of a row home and the window in my room was shaking with fury.


Kona was howling into the night...which any noise coming from Kona is a rarity. After I finally opened my eyes and came around to what was actually happening I sleepily pulled Kona into my bed with me. Now I have a twin size day bed so you can imagine how comedic this must have looked. Once I pulled Kona into bed with me he dug his head into my armpit and continued barking.

Like any good parent (ha-ha) I rubbed his back and told him everything was going to be ok. He slowly calmed down and eventually fell asleep. His barking subsided and soon turned into snoring. Naturally as he was fast asleep snoring I was now wide awake listening to the storm outside. 

Kona still asleep in my bed at 8am.

As I lay there I thought about my life. I thought about the challenges and blessing that brought me to that exact moment. I love thunderstorms so as the weather orchestrated outside I felt a sense of peace and belonging. With this feeling though I also felt a sense of loss and loneliness. Its hard to imagine that one person can feel all of these things at the same exact time..but they found their way in. 


In my stillness I meditated on how the Lord truly does give and take away. I thought about the gives and takes of my relationship with the Lord. As I had this thought filled conversation with God I came to the conclusion that my sense of peace and belonging strongly outweighed the loss and loneliness. I am loved. No matter what, I am loved and wanted by God. In my stillness I could hear God saying, "Daughter, sleep with peace. You belong to me. You are bought and paid for by Christ and I love you." 

With that I fell asleep and woke up rejuvenated hungry for the day. I didn't even mind that Kona's wet nose was still in my armpit.