Let's Roll!

When work asks you to travel south to the other site, then road trippin' we go! A little furry stowaway has joined our adventures. He is a very cute yorkie poo named Kobe. While our daughter finishes college, he is staying with us. Reminding me of my poodle I had my first 16 years of life, Dixie, I have enjoyed him being around.

Dixie was grumpier and snippier than Kobe. I do not think Kobe would ever bite, but he likes to bark and carry on like the big dog he thinks he is. Dixie never bit me but was very protective of me. My brothers knew to watch out for her. Get to close or look like trouble and Dixie would set them straight. My Mom liked that she did not allow anyone to run in the house. If they did, they might have a furious poodle chasing after them ready to puncture a sock. She was my protector and my furry friend I confided in.

Enter Kobe--a designer dog that could go into a purse, but I do not think he would like that. He will tolerate a sweater and does like to be carried around. He hates squirrels that tease him and make faces at him from the window. A very cuddly dog, he has been a wonderful grand pup. Might be spoiled a tad and I might be taken back to my younger me with him snuggled up close.

Our little furry traveler is learning that a ride in the car is not the end of life as he knows it. Our first road trip, he refused the kennel even without the door. He howled. He shook. He paced. He drooled. He seemed to hate every minute of it and the ol' turn up the music was harder with him than with our kids. He was in the front with us verses in the seats behind us.

Once we arrive at our destination, he is very happy. He likes seeing our daughter most of all! He likes the hotel bed and the doggy park. He likes sniffing all the new sniffs. He likes our air bnb in Laurel, MS--Woodland Cottages with Kathy and Isao Fukuda. He enjoyed exploring the beach on a recent stayover Saturday. He wants to go with us and will happily hop in the car. It's the moving that bothers him. The rumble strips are the worst of all.

After a couple of trips and a couple of times wondering if this was all a good idea, Kobe has calmed down some. He is still shaking, but he trusts us. He's learning that we will do all we can to keep him safe and happy. We see the bigger picture and know he will be very happy when we get to our destination. In the car he goes, shaking in my arms as I hold him, trusting us with whatever lies ahead.

When I hold my little shaking grand pup, I see myself shaking at the many things I do not know of or understand in life. I do not like some things that come my way. Changes can be both hard and beautiful. I do not enjoy big disruptions and rumbles in my day, but they happen. Many times, I am looking at unknowns. I pray to be open and available to what God has for me. He knows the big picture and has been and is in complete control. He loves me and knows what is best for me. His will is the safest place for me to be. And my destination of Heaven will far outweigh anything I will face now.

I might be shaking as I come into His arms, but I choose to trust Him. In all of life's adventures, God has been faithful. I can remember His Word (the Scriptures) and keep my eyes on Him. He loves me with everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). I might still have a little shake or two, but I will praise God in all the twists and turns, the rumble strips, the delays and detours, the beautiful scenery, the miles still to come.

Life is a highway, and I will trust Him even if I feel a little shaky... Mama says!

c. MamaSays! 2025