This Morning’s Walk…

We have a new puppy.
Now about 4 1/2 months old.
This morning we went for a walk together.
Following a pathway that goes along a river not too far from our house.
It was early.
And, a bit drizzly.
So, there were not any others on the path.
Until we had turned around and were walking back to our car.

She was sitting on one of the benches along the trail.
And smiled as we got close.
Smiled more at my puppy than at me.
Our puppy wants to meet everyone she sees.
So as the woman noticed her and smiled.
Mischief (our puppy) wagged her tail and pulled at the leash.
I asked her if she would like to meet Mischief.
Her smile got larger and she nodded yes.
So Mischief pulled me over to where she was sitting.
And with all her puppy enthusiasm wagged and bounced
And said hello to her new friend.
When it was time to leave I said “It’s time for us to go.”
And she looked up at me and said…
“Have a blessed day.”
Not…
Have a good day.
Or, thank you.
Or, good-bye.
But, have a “blessed day.”

To tell the truth, I don’t often think of my days in that way.
My days can be good or hard or stressful or…
But “blessed” is seldom a word I use to think about
Or to step forward into my day.
My bad.
Because each day is a blessing.
Each day a gift.
I was reminded of that on my walk this morning
In the drizzle with a new puppy
Through a chance encounter
With a women sitting by herself on a bench.