Playing Off Leash

Saturday morning Steve and I walked our dogs, Teddi and McTavish, around our apartment complex and into the large field in front of it.  Five year old Teddi (a model canine citizen who always comes back to us when called) was eager to run around off leash, and Steve let him go right away.  Seeing this, McTavish was equally eager for some freedom.  For those of you who might not know McTavish's backstory, he turns two years old today and came to us via adoption at six months old with some "issues" to overcome.  He has made great strides in the last year and a half, but we have never let him off leash anywhere except our fenced in backyard.  He got out of the front door of the house once early on, and I caught him quickly, but I think he was more scared than trying to escape.

Steve talked me into letting him go in spite of my anxiety level.  Luckily McTavish is so devoted to his big brother that all he wanted to do was follow him everywhere.  The two of them ran around and came back every time we called them.  They played themselves silly, and finally laid down in the grass from exhaustion.  So much joy and excitement; all made possible because Steve convinced me to relinquish a little control.

I generally put a lot of value in control and order.  I know this must come as a shock to those that know me well ;).  There is more to seminary than studying Hebrew and Old Testament; by that I mean stretching myself spiritually and emotionally.  My other college degrees have focused on learning on how to write, think, and process information.  While I have very little experience, so far I am getting the impression that a great deal more introspective and personal work will be required for this "degree".  While letting McTavish roam around the green space in front of our apartment seems to have very little to do with the work of seminary, the more I thought about it today, it must just be the biggest accomplishment I've made so far.  Every new experience, and every time I let go of control, reinforces new ways of thinking and being in the world.

"It's my birthday!"

  

McTavish keeps watch while Teddi takes a break.