Civic "Duty"

Picture this:

You are a dedicated citizen to a your small town. You've lived there the majority of your life and you love its traditions. So you are very happy in a small-town-type-of-way for the annual Christmas parade. You position yourself on the street so that you can see the whole parade and as it commences, you enthusiastically wave to all the parade participants wishing them a Merry Christmas and waving as they go by.

And while the Jazzercize ladies did not make an appearance, you're happy with the parade - the Shriners are there zipping in their little cars. The high school bands all make an appearance, along with unicyclists, baton twirlers, the local dance studios, a tank, and the most random Ghostbusters camo bus.

As the parade goes on, the local SPCA comes along with their cute puppies. And then this scene unfolds:
One of the dogs pops a squat and does his "duty". While doing so, his handler is petting him. Once done, the dog is ready to go on. His handler looks at one the other handlers, shrugs, and walks on. LEAVING A STEAMING PILE OF DOG POOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PARADE!!!! There are still MANY more people to come along, and the dog has literally pooped in the absolute MIDDLE of the road, in the absolute MIDDLE of the parade.

What do you do? Do you just stand there and let this injustice persist? The firemen/police volunteers aren't doing anything - they aren't even bothering to warn the other parade participants about the steaming pile they are about to step in (poor boy scout troop).

No - You can't take it. As incredulous as you are that the SPCA did not bother to bring any bags with them to pick up after their dogs, you quickly scout and find a plastic bag, run into the middle of the street, pause the parade, scoop it up, and then quickly make your exit. It took a total of 30 seconds, but was 30 seconds too late for the boy scouts.

So dear SPCA, in case you - of all organizations - do not already know this rule, I would like you to memorize it and keep the streets of my town clean:

"It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst all who take care of pets, that if thy pet shall poop it, THOU SHALT SCOOP IT." Bring a bag with you if you're walking your dog in a public space! ESPECIALLY in the middle of the CHRISTMAS PARADE!

Orphan Sunday

It's been a long time since I have posted anything in this sphere, so I don't know how many people actually may read this. But for the few that may stumble upon this space, I hope that you will read this story by a friend. I have followed her blog, Every Bitter Thing is Sweet, for years now and the wisdom and love for the Lord that she shares is so inspiring and refreshes my own faith. The story that she shared today though takes my breath away...to see the way that the heart cry/prayer of an 8 year old adopted daughter who has prayed so boldly for her friend that was left behind, that her friend may find a family...to the prayers of Sara's own friend for a child...it literally brings tears to my eyes to see the framework of this story that God has woven together. It is a testament to Him, to His love, to His redemption, to His immeasurable glory and hugeness - that the small boxes that I compartmentalize my faith into are burst asunder in the face of such a Love.

Please read this story and consider sharing. I know it is one story of many of the amazing things that our God does, but I ask that you would consider sharing all the same. Many thanks.