John’s Day

The plan was perfect.

I’d take Annie Grace, my new miniature schnauzer puppy, on her first street ministry run. She’d charm everyone. People experiencing homelessness love dogs. Dogs love people. It would be a beautiful moment wrapped in fur and grace.

Then the day showed up with an attitude. The wind whipped like it had somewhere better to be. The heat pressed down heavily and meanly. And Annie Grace, my fierce, bold, crow-barking puppy, wilted. She squinted at the sun like it had personally offended her and pressed herself into every available shadow. This dog, who boldly squares off against a metal two-foot crow in my backyard, wanted nothing to do with the Texas heat.