Scamp the Squirrel is back again. He torments my poor pit bull/shepherd mix, Sadie. He runs back and forth along the fence, wiggling and shaking his fluffy tail in an unspoken dare. Poor Sadie spends hours at the window, whining in frustration because Mom won’t let her out to chase the squirrel every five seconds. And when she gets the “Ready, Set…GO!” she dashes out, only to have Scamp to take a flying leap into our tree and chitter at her from a branch just beyond Sadie’s reach. “Na, na, na, na, na, na! Ppppbbbbttthhh!”
I laugh at Sadie, but I’m guilty of the same thing. Chasing a pretty, shiny thing (or a furry, chittering thing with a fluffy tail) that’s just beyond my reach. Becoming frustrated when I don’t catch whatever I’m after. Being stubborn and tenacious about an idea, goal or dream.
But is that always a bad thing? I won’t always catch my dreams, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t chase after them. The Lord has a purpose even in what I consider a failure. It’s the journey, not just the destination, that teaches me and brings me closer to God—if I’m paying attention. And that’s a good thing.
Will Sadie ever catch Scamp? Probably not, but she’s certainly having a glorious time trying.
Do you ever get frustrated chasing your own dreams? Don’t forget—the joy is in the journey, and the fun is in the chase.
Just in time for Christmas reading, comment below for your opportunity to win an autographed copy of Yuletide Cowboys.
~~Love Courageously~~ Publisher's Weekly Bestselling, award-winning author of 30 novels, Deb Kastner enjoys writing contemporary inspirational western stories set in small communities. She feels especially blessed to be able to include faith as a natural and genuine part of her characters' lives. Deb lives in beautiful Colorado with her husband and a pack of miscreant mutts. She is blessed with three adult daughters and two grandchildren. Her favorite hobby is spoiling her grandchildren, but she also enjoys reading, watching movies, listening to music (The Texas Tenors are her fav), singing in the church choir, and exploring the Rocky Mountains on horseback.
Good post! It reminded me of the birds that torment my poor kitten as she sits at the window sill! They know the glass is keeping them safe, so they torment her!!
Cowboys during Christmas time. What a combo. Thanks for the giveaway. (Cindy Castillo Hipolito)
I like that… Enjoy the journey. I have been hearing those words lately and beginning to have an appreciation. Thanks for your post, another sign that I need to enjoy the journey.
Oh, yes, frustrating in chasing dreams. But, then, I remember that God is in control, not me. His timing is perfect. He may have a completely different path for me than the path I am pursuing. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way…… Love that song. It helps me while I am chasing my dreams. :-)
I don’t have a dog, but my sister has a little one who loves to chase the squirrels!
Thanks for the reminder to take joy in the journey!
You are so right. The joy is in the journey. I’m old enough now to know that now. lol! I have found with great perseverance and a positive attitude and prayer. It can be done!
We watch the birds and squirrels chasing each other to get to the bird feeder, and pears off my pear tree. Sometimes a little one chases a bigger one. We get a lot of laughs watching.
I’ve learned that each day is a journey to enjoy & rejoice in each one! Sometimes we have 5 or more squirrels in our yard chasing each other.. Yes, fun to watch & makes me smile at their antics :)
Great post, Deb! I love the photo of Sadie on the hunt for Scamp. I’m curious, where did the name Scamp come from?
Chasing dreams is what makes life more exciting!
We have an overweight cat, and the other day I say her trying to chase a squirrel – good exercise!
When our Labrador is asleep and dreaming, I sometimes wonder if he’s chasing squirrels. His feet ‘run’ and he yips in excitement. Must be a fun memory for him. :)
I feel like some of my dreams are on hold right now while I focus on motherhood, but I know that once my youngest is in school I will have more time to pursue some artistic endeavors.
Thanks for the giveaway, I look forward to reading your new book!
We don’t have squirrels, but we do have ermine who like to torture my friends cat! He pops up and plays with the cat outside the window, the cat bounces all over trying to get through the window. Poor thing never gets to chase, she’s an indoor kitty! If he ever ventures inside, then she might have a chance.
My cats sit on the windowsill and chitter at the birds in the plum tree just outside the window. Similar visual! And yes… chasing is better than having no goals. Focus on Jesus and enjoy the ride. :)
Really enjoyed that post! I needed that reminder! Plus, I love squirrels!
Back when we had dogs, they used to keep the yard quite happily free of squirrels. Now our bird feeder has no protection :)
Oh my! I laughed so much as you described Sadie’s adventures with the squirrel. My dog Cassie chases squirrels around our yard multiple times a day. Sometimes it is Mr. Squirrel who receives a surprise since Cassie is waiting at the bottom of the tree very quietly, eys fixed on Mr. Squirrel, when Mr. Squirrel comes circling around the trunk and almost runs into her. My, the fun that starts then. LOL.
I love this reminder. The joy is in the journey. Thank you.
And thank you for offering us the free book. Cowboys and Christmas. Oh, my!
We have the same situation with a chipmunk and my cat. Chittering right outside the window. And the cat teases the dog, too. It’s all pretty comical–and a good procrastination device, fun to watch.
They just seem to know, don’t they?
One of my childhood favorite songs, as well.
A squirrel in a pear tree. Doesn’t have quite the same ring to it, does it? :)
The same squirrel has been hanging around our back yard on and off for years now. We thought since he is always playing with Sadie that he needed a name.
Ha! Sadie could stand to lose a few pounds, as well. But then I guess I’m not one to talk. LOL Maybe I ought to be the one outside chasing Scamp.
Sadie, too. I’ve always wondered what dogs dream about. Something fun, for sure.
Motherhood is the most important job of all. I’m sure you’ll find time to pursue your other dreams when the timing is right.
Isn’t that like a ferret? Is it wild? Interesting!
Scamp is equally enamored of birdseed, little brat that he is.
I never thought of it that way, Lee, but I have to admit my amusement with the dog and squirrel are great procrastination devices!
Awwww, look at Scamp….he’s so dog-gone cute!! :-) And I think he likes to play with Sadie as much as she likes playing with him….although you know they’d never admit to you how much fun they are having….haha! Years ago when my grandpa was still alive, he had a black squirrel named Charlie who’d come right up to you and take the peanut from your hand and sit and listen to you talk to him. He’d even sit on my Grandpa’s knee! I miss that little guy, he was always the delight of my visits to my grandparents house.
And I can agree with your analogy of chasing a dream. Sometimes we tend to go after things that would do more harm than good in our lives. God does protect us from that, unless we just don’t listen to His voice and go after it anyway. We then find ourselves in trouble and may blame God for not warning us, when He did. Like a petulant child! I’ve learned to listen to & trust that still small voice more. Experience has taught me that it really IS for my best interest. Now that doesn’t mean that I don’t get disappointed or still don’t obey….but I also know I would be the one to blame when things don’t turn out the way I dreamed it. I go dragging back to God & ask Him to forgive me, tell Him how wrong and sorry I am, and ask Him to fix it. Such amazing grace He extends!
Great post!! Thanks for the reminder to enjoy the journey. With five homeschooled kids, sometimes I feel like the cat chasing her tail, but the journey is so sweet. I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
I am always frustrated chasing my dreams but I keep looking to Heavenly help.
What a fun way to remember it’s all about the journey.
At least one time per day I wash my Pomeranian dream. I often wonder what she is chasing, or what is chasing her. I have a grandson that I know will also enjoy reading this with me. Thank you for sharing.