I’ve been afraid of dogs my entire life— for no known reason— most animals, really. My friend Jennifer has loved dogs for as long as I’ve known her, and her chocolate Lab ( chocolate doesn’t that say it sweet) is calm, timid, impossibly gentle.
She has slowly challenged my fear— sat by my feet or rested at my side. I reached out and touched her—the third dog I’ve ever touched. I wanted to wrap my arms around her, but they weren’t moving- Instead, she came back and gently nudged me. Jennifer smiled and said that meant she wanted affection.
I thought that was such a tender thing—to ask so softly.
Perhaps love is like that. Not demanding that we do more or be more, but gently inviting us, one small step at a time.
Today, I took one of those steps.
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