My dog ate my shoe...

My dog ate my shoe. Not an old sneaker mind you, but one of my $200.00 cycling shoes. The demon spawn grabbed it, pulled it into her pen and ate it while I was at work. No. I didn’t hit her. I wanted to, but I didn’t. I hit the fridge.

It was stupid of me I know. I left them where she could reach; did I mention she’s a puppy? Did I mention I’m nuts about that dog? What made me so mad is that I can’t afford to replace them, but riding a bike these days is, for legitimate health reasons, something I have to do.

I know. I know. You’re asking yourself, “Why did you spend $200.00 on shoes?” I didn’t. They were a gift from my dad. I told him one time that I needed a new pair cause my old ones were too small and had turned my toenail black and it was falling off. He didn’t want to see it, but he said I needed a good pair of shoes, so he bought me the best. My dad is extravagant that way; he would rather deny himself so that one of his kids, or his wife…or a friend could be blessed. I really liked those shoes.

I really love my dad.

I went on a trip right after all this happened. I was crabby cause I didn’t know what I was going to do now that my shoes were ruined. I had resigned myself to loosing another toenail by wearing the old ones. Don’t ask me why I kept them, but I did. While on my trip, I snuck into a sporting goods store and found a pair big enough to fit which is rare enough but then I saw something even more rare; the price. Normally the shoes sold for over $100.00, but they were on sale for $14.00! Of course I bought them. And they’re at least as good as the old ones. Probably better. My crabbiness and anger disappeared, replaced by a brief moment of shame for the way I acted towards the dog and was quickly followed by a deep feeling of gratitude. God surprised me with a gift I did not expect and certainly did not deserve. He’s extravagant that way; He would rather deny Himself, love me completely, sacrificially, scandalously; bless me with gifts – some simple, some profound. I really like these shoes.

I really love my Dad.