I went to the dog park with my grandpuppy and my son. Yes, I had a lot of fun but that’s not what I want to write about. There is a truth I was reminded of that I can forget sometimes. I love how as I live life, God uses my circumstances to remind me of truths that gives my heart the encouragement I need to keep moving forward and as always is my pleasure to share them with my readers.

At the dog park, dogs of all shape and sizes were running everywhere, Some were full of energy and some were calm. This was not my first time going to a dog park. I have been to one many times with my dog Peace. I take him so he can socialize with other dogs and because I knew it was good for him. If you are unfamiliar with my fears of dogs click here you will get a small insight.

Back to this story, sadly, Peace got bit as a puppy and he is not fond of other dogs. It takes him a while to warm up to them. The funny thing is when I walk him, I confidently say to other dog owners (as he growls at their dogs), “He is okay, he has PTSD, but once he realizes he does not need to fear your dog he is fine.” I never thought about how Peace and I are alike in that way. Whenever I enter a dog park with Peace, I brace myself. I know my PTSD will kick in so I focus on my breathing. I learned dogs can feel your energy so it’s important to be calm. It takes a lot when I take Peace to the dog park. I hope he or I doesn’t get bit, I hope I can handle it if he gets into a fight with another dog, my list of fears entering a dog park goes on and on. 

Everytime I leave the dog park with Peace I feel drained but excited, “I did it, I worked through my fear again.” 

While visiting my grandpuppy, my son excitedly said, “mom we have to go to the dog park, you are going to love it, it's so nice.” One thing I love about my kids is they forget I have fears which they are all very aware of.  Their awareness of my fears does not stop them from asking me to enjoy life with them.  They are sensitive though, they constantly check to see if I am okay as they know I am out of my comfort zone. 

I mentally prepared for my fear of dogs to kick in and work through it before we arrived and as we walked to the park; however, what happened next was a miracle. 

I, with an array of feelings, entered the dog park with Arlo and Cory Jr. Next thing you know it is like the moment we shut the gate to be inside the park, any feelings or fear of the other dogs disappeared. I was so focused on Arlo and how excited he was to be there that I forgot I had a fear of dogs. For the first time, my son decided to let him off the leash, he wanted me to experience that with him. He too was a little nervous about how Arlo will do off leash, he hadn’t tried it yet. Arlo was free! 

He ran so much, splashed in the water (he loves water). I could watch him all day. Dogs continued to come into the park and I was okay. I was so focused on the joy of my grandpuppy that my fear of dogs was not present. I can’t wait to go back. 

While thinking of this experience, God placed the following scripture on my heart. The Message translation describes perfectly a deeper understanding of Hebrews 12:2 that fills me with gratefulness for Jesus. 

“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” 

Focusing on Jesus allows me to enter any space of life without my fear in the driver seat. I am not focusing on what I can or cannot do, how I will look, am I good enough, and the list goes on. Focusing on how Jesus endured the shame, excruciating pain, loneliness and more while on the cross allows me to enter the unexpected with confidence. 

Yes, the enemy will fight to steal my joy but focusing on Jesus will be the spark I need to refocus and experience life miracles. 

Just as focusing on Arlo, whom I love, led me to enjoying the dog park, focusing on Jesus leads me to endure life filled with joy. 

If you need help finding the right focus, reach out for a free consulation.