Out of Nowhere

This morning I am thinking about a memorable (albeit scary) experience from my childhood.  One afternoon I took a shortcut down the alley behind my house, heading to visit my best friend.  I was strolling, casual and carefree.  My eyes weren’t scanning my surroundings, and my mind wasn’t alert to any danger.  I had been up and down the alley countless times, either on my bike or on foot.  But on that particular day, something threatening awaited me.  It only took me a split second to turn and look, once I heard the loud growl.  Being caught completely off guard, I felt what it was like to be frozen with fear.  A large, snarling, drooling dog was already within about ten feet of me, and it was closing in quickly.  Suddenly I heard a loud shout: “Get back!”  Out of nowhere, my cousin Bud emerged.  He was wielding a shovel, which he used like a baseball bat to land a mighty wallop on the dog’s head.  As the ferocious foe made its hasty retreat, I remained standing motionless.  But this time I was frozen with awe.  Bud was probably 81-years old, but he had moved with the speed and strength of an 18-year-old!  I had no idea how he got between the dog and me so fast.  Where had Bud been?  I hadn’t seen him, but clearly he had been intently, silently watching me.  I went to him, threw my arms around his waist, and thanked him with absolute sincerity.  He patted me on the head, and said, “Now go on.”  And, so I did.  I smile every time I recall that experience.  It always gives me comfort and assurance of how very much I am loved and protected at all times…spiritually and emotionally, as well as physically.  Sometimes vicious dogs of trial and adversity come charging toward me, rudely interrupting periods of peaceful reverie.  Rabid with the disease of doubt, discouragement, and despair, they bark and threaten to infect me with their bite.  But, then, out of nowhere God sends deliverance through my family and faithful friends.  Often from places unexpected and unseen, they emerge wielding kindness, compassion, and encouragement just in the nick of time.  With these and other unconventional weapons, they put to flight the foes of my faith, hope, and destiny.  Then they tell me, “Now go on.”  And, so I will.