I used to be intimidated by big dogs.  I remember as a young pup, not even 20 pounds, being out on one of my early morning walks.   I was enjoying the smells when suddenly behind me I heard frantic barking and howling.  I turned to look and it was like someone had let the "Bumpus Hounds" loose.  Now, I like to think I am a brave guy, but when you have three 90 pound dogs speeding your way like a furry freight train you're going to get nervous.  Well, maybe more like terrified.  Different scenarios started playing in my head as I watched them approaching fast. Me, flattened on the street after being trampled by three bigger dogs. Me, running like a scaredy cat so I wouldn't get soaked in drool and worse.

I was trapped. On a leash with nowhere to go.  My heart beat faster and faster as each possible scenario played in my head.  I looked up at my mom in sheer terror as they got closer.  She didn't look nervous at all.  She just looked at me and told me it was okay.  Okay? Okay? Was she blind? And DEAF?! Then suddenly, with one deft move she swooped me up in her arms and the "Bumpus Hounds" passed by within inches of us.  I have never felt so relieved and grateful. 

After the big dogs passed and she put me back down, I realized I had panicked for nothing. She had me covered.  I should have known.  Life is like that sometimes.  You can worry and worry because you don't know what's going to happen and then the thing you were worried about ends up being no big deal. I wonder how much time we waste worrying.  I learned something that day.  When big things are headed my way, I can panic or maybe I can just trust that I'm covered one way or another. It might not always end up exactly like I hope but somehow it will work out.

Oh and by the way, guess who I just saw this morning? You got that right, the "Bumpus Hounds".  Only, I'm a little bigger now and a little more confident because I've learned a little along the way.  As they approached at full speed, I didn't even break a sweat.  I just calmly watched as they ran by with their owner. Funny, how our perspective can change over time.  So, whatever makes you feel panicked or nervous, just realize that it's probably not going to be as bad as you think and there is going to be help along the way.  Maybe with a little trust we can even learn to enjoy the 'bumps', knowing that we are learning as we go.