It has been a Long. Cold. Wet. Winter. As a native Midwesterner, I shouldn’t be complaining, I know. But my household is starting to go stir crazy.

 

When I got home from work today, I had a half dozen different things that needed to be done. A good friend was joining us for dinner and I wanted to be sure the meal was special. I rushed home from work and quickly fed the dogs so I could get on with my to-do list and meal preparations.

 

As the dogs finished up, I scooped up the bowls and turned to the sink to start washing. I paused as the room became strangely quiet. I turned around to find three sweet faces staring at me in anticipation.

 

They were waiting for their walk. The sun was out. The air was warm. Surely I would take them for a walk.

 

I paused and started explaining I didn’t have time to take them for a walk. (I’ve mentioned I talk to my dogs, haven’t I?) There was chicken to cook and biscuits to make. A table to set and a kitchen to clean. Surely the understood?

 

Nope.

 

They simply sat and stared at me. With those faces I simply cannot resist.

 

A quick walk around the block. That was it, I told them. They would need to be fast. No dawdling.

 

I grabbed the leashes and mayhem broke out. Entire back ends started wagging. Coco started doing her little back flips in the air. I wrestled harnesses and leads and they dragged me out the door.

 

By the time we reached the end of the driveway I could feel the sun on my arms. A few houses down I felt a warm breeze blow against my face. As my pace slowed, so did the dogs’. The four of us fell into a steady rhythm together and we walked.

 

It was glorious. Birds were singing. Kids were playing. Neighbors were talking. People were jogging. And everyone was smiling.

 

I might have missed it. If it weren’t for my dogs. My wonderful, naughty, adorable, pestering dogs.

 

Life is short.

 

So I am going to purpose to be grateful more. For sunshine. Warm breezes. Good health. Family. Friends. Walks. Dogs. And all the other countless things I am blessed with each day.

 

Thanks be to God.