When Dreams are Interrupted
By Nita Gilger
January 27, 2021
The morning began earlier than I wanted it to. I would have preferred that it started without me even though I am normally a very early riser. I was in the middle of a fabulous dream only to have it interrupted like an old record player that is bumped thereby scratching an LP in mid-melody. It was, of course, Hunny who needed an outside break after a long night's sleep. I got up grudgingly and donned a coat and gloves to brace for the 29-degree morning. For this old Texas blood, that is COLD. As I walked along the lovely view of the hills and wide-open spaces, I admit that I was less than cordial toward this hound dog--a rescue turned angel. I talked to her and then to myself saying things like, "Why did you have to wake me up and interfere with my dream? Don't you realize I was snug in my warm bed? Hurry up and go. My coffee is waiting on me!! I am cold!!"
Oddly enough, Hunny paid very little attention to my grumblings. Rather, she seemed so glad that I was conversing with her. She was joyfully scouring the ground for deer smells. She jumped happily as a bird flew by. She was thrilled with the cool weather and practically danced her way along the grass and trees to find just the right spot for her various deposits. For me it seemed an eternity since I was not where I wanted to be. For Hunny, she was just in THE MOMENT living fully. No worries. No rush. No long-term plans to figure out. She just needed to go potty and while she looked for a place, she was totally loving the nature around her. No cars. No loud noises. No other dogs growling at her. Just beauty and nature; space and grace all around.
This goofy looking mutt teaches me something every day. She helps me to look at all the beautiful things around me and enjoy them. When I quit fussing, I noticed that there were many gleeful birds frolicking about all around me. There were graceful deer grazing nearby, keeping a wary eye on my furry little friend. The sunrise was gorgeous and illuminated the colors of the world around me. I am secure, fed, and wed. I am warm enough in my coat. I know the coffee is brewing awaiting me to be enjoyed upon my return to my warm, cozy, recliner couch. I am healthy and have enough. Just think.... I can walk, breathe without difficulty and see and hear all that is around me. So many cannot even do those simple things from their hospital beds or cramped tenement quarters or a homeless shelter in a crowded, polluted city. I am not food insecure. I am so very fortunate.
Maybe an interrupted dream is not all bad. Maybe I should quit fussing and start soaking in the blessings all around me every day. Maybe I should not be grousing and saying so many negative comments to a dog who is just being who she was created to be. Perhaps I am actually living a dream that is even better than the one from my waking dream.
My lesson for today? It is okay when dreams are interrupted because new dreams can be found--just right around the corner if I can only stop complaining and see what is right before me. That sounds so great and spiritually correct doesn't it? But truth be known, I actually wish I could take a nap later today and remember where I was in my dream and finish it. I really, really want to know how my sub-conscious mind would work out that dream. I am not always agreeable with the gifts of interruption. Sometimes I am just a grouch when I would be much better served to look for the silver lining or be making a plan to help others. I have always found that getting outside myself to help others is a sure way to feel alive and be blessed. I know that deep in my bones and in my life experience. I do practice benevolence and kindness most of the time, but let me tell you…. there are days. There are days that I need to listen to a dog. There was a sign I always said I wanted to put on my door when I was a minister? It would have read: Get Over it! I am only human!! I never had the courage to actually create or put that sign up over my office door, but somehow, I think everyone already knew that about me. I never saw the need to try to fool anyone. What you see is what you get with me. Sorry Hunny. I sometimes go through life kicking and screaming even when I know better and miss the gifts of life around me. Maybe it is you--the rescue dog---who actually is rescuing me. Thanks....I think.
Prayer: God of my dreams and my very soul, help me to BE in your Spirit even when I feel lonely or grouchy or too self-absorbed. Help me to understand that new dreams are just waiting to be born or seen all around me and within me. O Spirit of Love, rescue me from myself. Amen.