I remember the day… the day I met Olaf. At the time his name was Theran. Seriously? What kind of a name is that? Adopting a Boxer was not in my plans that day. I had my heart set on rescuing a Labrador Retriever. But then God… well, He had different plans for us.
For the last 20 years, Paul and I have only adopted “rescue” pets. So many are homeless.
Dozer the American Bull Dog led us to Olaf. I met Dozer in prison. My mentee at the Hernando Correctional Institute was his trainer – part of the Heel to Heal Dog Training & Rescue Program. He captured my heart – his energy level however didn’t match our household. We enjoy cross-country travel in our motor home – our resident couch potato Beagle Bailey is an excellent travel companion. Dozer would have been a challenge. Meeting him awakened a longing for a second dog – a buddy for Bailey.
Olaf (Theran), a senior dog, had been returned to the Humane Society twice and had been waiting for adoption for several months when we met him. We locked eyes – they spoke to me – it was instant. I just knew that I knew… he would be coming home with us that day.
Happy Anniversary to us – it’s been a year since he joined our family. He’s turned into my shadow… wherever I am, he’s there at my feet. In fact, he’s under my desk right now as I type. He makes me laugh out loud – resurrected the playful silly side of Maggie. On difficult days, he gives me a reason to get up in the morning.
God answers prayers in unexpected ways. He brought healing to my heart through Olaf. My days of care giving for my parents had been over for a few years. I did not realize how much I missed being “needed” – missed stepping up to do the extraordinary for someone. My broken spirit sought God. I would like to believe that Olaf’s broken spirit did as well. God answered our prayer – more than we could ever have imagined.
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. Eph 3:20 NKJV
Let’s encourage each other…
When you pray, do you seek God’s answers to your prayers or do you give Him specific instructions? Are you open to receive Heavenly surprises? I would love to hear about your surprise answers to prayer – please share with us below.
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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