If we’ve had a conversation in the last year, you already know this story. Some of you have heard the play by play so many times, you have it memorized (and you’re tired of hearing it).

A year ago, my life changed in a way that I did not expect. Ready to hear the whole story?

Thursday, March 3rd, I was packing to head to Myrtle Beach. I knew I needed to get out of town and pray through some things I felt God was placing on my heart. They were things that were heavy, and I needed to be with people who could help me carry that load. When my plans got cancelled, I started to panic. I needed to get away and I needed guidance desperately.

I didn’t sleep much that night. I tossed and turned and when the sun came up, I gave in. I threw on a sweatshirt and brushed my teeth and drove two hours up the road to Lyons, GA.

I showed up at my friend Amanda’s door with a bag of Cadbury Mini Eggs and tears in my eyes. I just needed some chocolate and wisdom (those two go hand in hand). She welcomed me in and with the candy and her newborn baby between us, we talked through everything.

We headed to lunch and between Amanda and the pizza we ate, I felt as though God had spoken.

As we were driving home, I gazed out the window. I was exhausted. Emotionally, spiritually, physically. I was done fighting and I just needed a nap. I noticed a pile of trash on the side of the road and saw it move.

Apparently I was delirious because I told Amanda to pull over so we could see what it was.

I got out of the car and a 5 lb dog, as excited as could be, ran into my arms. I picked him up, got in the car and told Amanda I found her dog.

She replied that she had a newborn, so my dog and I would have to head home.

This was not my dog. I couldn’t have a dog. My life is too crazy and I go out of town too much and I can hardly take care of myself, how am I going to take care of a dog? I wasn’t ready for this kind of responsibility.

I desperately tried to give him away. I offered for anyone to come get him, but each time I started to talk to someone about coming to get him, I felt like I was giving up on something. (Side note: never name the dog you’re trying to get rid of. They’re right, it’s all over after you name it.)

I know this sounds crazy, but I know God gave me Bagel. That dog has taught me so much in this last year. I have learned patience and responsibility and how to care for something other than myself. I have learned how to love well. And in return, he brings so much joy to my life. I needed Bagel just as much as he needed me.

As I write this, I am watching him curled up next to me, chewing on a bone with his eyes half open. He has grown so much in the last year, and so have I.

I’m so thankful we pulled over a year ago and that God answers prayers in a tangible way.

If I could talk to Katie from a year ago, I would comfort her. I would tell her that big things were coming, and while that Thursday night was hard, joy would come in the morning. I would tell her that it’s ok to be scared, but she doesn’t have to fight it. We serve a great God who loves us well and will not lead us astray. And that soon, she will have something to care for and something that will soften your heart in ways she could not imagine.

Bless you, Bagel.