Wales is a dog-friendly place, and our small town is no exception.  So, it’s not unusual to see people out walking their dogs at all times of the day. What is uncommon, however, is one particular dog, who is the talk of the town.  The rumor is that the dog was born smack in the middle of the lambing season on a local farm and learned to "walk" by imitating and frolicking with those sprightly spring lambs. Can’t you picture the gleeful puppy bounding along beside them?

Well, whether fact or fiction, the dog has a unique gait. Rather than a standard walk, this canine companion essentially HOPS everywhere he goes! It's honestly one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.

I kid you not.  There ambles the delighted dog owner, strolling along at a regular clip, while her precious pooch springs ahead in a series of awkward, elevated leaps and bounds. Every step is executed not by simple foot motion but as an exaggerated HOP over some imaginary obstacle!

I can't tell you how often I've ridden past, done a double-take at the curious prancing mutt, and then completely lost my train of thought from laughter. More than once, Jason has had to question if I'm quite alright as I cackle at the hopping hound like a lunatic.

While undeniably comical, that silly pup actually reminds me of a profound spiritual truth: we're all meant to LEAP in joyful obedience to our Shepherd! Too often, we plod through faith at a sluggish, heavy pace. But abundant life beckons us to spring ahead energetically.

As the Psalmist exhorts, "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies." (Psalms 112:7-8) When we confidently trust God, fear and monotony melt away. Stale religion evolves into a vibrant, giddy relationship!

So let's be like that exuberant pup, hopping along our journey with joyful abandon! With Christ as our source of endless delight, no obstacle is too formidable. Why trudge or dawdle when we could leap triumphantly?

Perhaps the hopping hound's bizarre example seems silly to some. But from my perspective, few sights capture the childlike spirit Christ wants us to embrace. So carry on, you happy mutt! Thanks for the reminder to hop toward heaven's heights, one faith-filled bound at a time.