The first 20 minutes today were absolutely ordinary. I think as I walk. It is my quiet time (and I can't fall asleep while walking in 20 degree temps and low wind chills). Today my thoughts were dominated by the start of the 21 day fast that Northwoods and many other churches are encouraging. Pam and I have decided to participate (this will be my third year of it...I have never made it the entire 21 days for a variety of reasons). I was really battling the thoughts of doing the fast this year as I walked. I was walking up a hill, nearing the crest, thinking, thinking, thinking while Shafer was pointing at his favorite "game" tree, the one with
the squirrel and mouse nest, about 50 feet in front of me. Then my thoughts suddenly changed as I looked past Shafer and saw a coyote, 40 yards away, and coming toward us. Shafer is bold and social. The coyote, in his eyes, was certain to represent just another dog to meet. But this wasn't just another dog. Shafers natural aggressive style of charging full speed to meet a new friend was certain to be viewed as a threat and there was going to be a fight (which means a lot of blood & a vet bill), or a flight (which means a fast and high endurance coyote running from a fast and high endurance dog, being chased by a formerly fast and high endurance white guy...which equals lost dog). I yelled to Shafer to come, and without turning his head north, he did so. With my yell, the coyote stopped
and sat down. And stared at us. Coyotes are not large. Except when they are staring at you. Their 40 lb. frames seemingly triple in size as they glare at you, sizing you up. The stare down lasted maybe a minute. Much of that time I was regretting not having my camera. So I got out my phone and tried to take a pic without much success (the coyote really blends in with the winter grass...dang cell phone camera!). Finally the standoff ended, with Shafer dragging me toward the coyote and the coyote slinking off about 30 yards west through the trees before turning south again to avoid us. He stopped and turned around to look at us as many times as I did the same to him. It was an uneasy encounter.It was not that different from staring this fast in the face again. It isn't just another fast. I have fasted several times through my adult life, but they were always "just another dog." A meal to pray through here and there. A few times I fasted for a day. But this 21 day fast isn't just another dog. It's the coyote that looks as big as a wolf. It's tougher. I am not sure I am up for the run in with it again. There were a few moments this morning when I wanted to let Shafer go and see what happened. He had to be twice the size of the coyote. His heritage includes hunting coyotes (of course the hunter behind him is supposed to be carrying a gun). But I didn't do it. Too much risk. Same with this fast. There is risk. I have been through it before. It isn't easy. It isn't comfy.
But here I am nearly 13 hours in, engaging the fast, thinking & praying. Day one is always the same. Pretty good. But I know if I continue beyond this first day of encounter, there will be a fight. I am so human.
Hey, this is a DLmail, and not a RickLmail, so... thanks for serving last Saturday Joe, Em & Kevin. We had a pretty good night. Kevin and I talked about it a bit and he couldn't remember when the group of boys as a whole participated so well. January is usually a good month at church. People return to church to start the new year off, determined to make it their family routine again. Hopefully the numbers we are seeing will continue, allowing these kids to really connect with other kids, us leaders and the teachers, growing them in their faith. Something to pray about. Click here for the small group leader info if you need it. Click here if you want to watch or just listen to Cal's sermon from this past weekend.
