Day 235

1/5/23

With my Goldens leading the way, I often have the privilege of seeing people at their best. I have witnessed compassion, tenderness, strength and resolve at the other end of the leash and it gives me such hope for the world.

Today, between commitments, I headed outside to "reshovel" the driveway for the third or fourth time. Going outside with the Goldens, I was shocked at how this storm simply kept piling up the the white stuff. I love snow, and relish its beauty and splendor, but I am not the biggest fan of shoveling. I enjoy this activity for about the first fifteen minutes and then would love to be done!

As I pushed the last heavy snow across the driveway this afternoon, I began to realize the effort involved with the ice hidden beneath the layers of snow. I am resolute about most things and shoveling falls under the category of "Get it done!" However, it was more of a challenge than I could deal with. As I attempted to shovel the bottom of the driveway out from the passing plows, I was about to give up. That's when it happened.

Our friend, Tim, is one of the kindest, most giving people I know. In my hour of need, there he was...arriving like a mirage, with his truck and plow ready to come to my rescue. He made short work of the rest of the snow and ice on the driveway as Mac and I watched on with heartfelt gratitude. When I offered payment, he just smiled and shook his head. I will repeat what he said to the best of my ability.

"I don't want anything. We have more than we will ever need. I just feel so lucky to have a roof over my head, food on the table and good health. What I ask you to do is just pay it forward. Find someone who needs you, take your feelings of gratitude and pay it forward by helping someone else. That's what this world needs...people helping other people."

With that, he was off and looking for someone else who needed his caring heart.

My pups were all settled snuggly in their favorite places around the house, so I was not on the end of any leash. Yet, I witnessed goodness and caring when I least expected it. What a gift to the soul. We already know who will be the next part of the chain and now, we get to pay it forward.

Life is good.