While pursuing my dream and passion for my speaking ministry, I have tried to find a way to have a little bit of an income in between those speaking opportunities. I stumbled onto Wag! It works just like uber but for walking dogs. Maybe you have seen the tv commercials, or my silly facebook posts as I complete a walk. My thinking was, "I love to take walks outside, I like puppies (especially the ones I don't have to live with in my home) so why not go for it." Well, before I knew it I was completing the background check, submitting references, taking quizzes and just like that I have the Wag! app and an official profile and I'm walking dogs!
I have been pleasantly surprised in a few different ways. I am having a ton of fun! Even when walking in some unpleasant, unexpected weather. (picture sleet and blowing snow) I have gotten to go to some neighborhoods I have never been to in a city I have lived in for 20 years. I have discovered how easy it is to turn this "job" into an opportunity to prayer walk! I let what I see inform what I pray about. And I'm able to pray for the owner of the dog by name. I know how special pets are to people, they are part of their family. And to be trusted to come into their home and take their very special dog for a walk is pretty cool. I have noticed being extra thankful. For example, I am thankful that I am physically able to go for the walks. And going on walks, helps slow me down, and enables me to notice little things. I can then pause, and give thanks to God for each of those little things.
Today, in one of the homes I went to, on the wall was hanging a large print of one of my favorite Bible verses: "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12. What a pleasant surprise and a wonderful reminder.
How have you been pleasantly surprised lately? Have you found a way to be thankful even if Spring looks like Winter? I'd love to hear from you.