Rescue Me Part 2

Part two of the rescue blog has been a long time coming.  Kind of like some of the rescues in our lives.  Like we talked about last time.
I said I would talk about Scooter's rescue this time, so I will.
Scooter (current and last-wait-let's not get into that again-current and final name) (at least while he is living here) (future owners, if any, and there probably won't be any more changes in ownership, of course have the option of changing his name, but I don't think they should, since "Scooter" is a great fit) is deep in the process of being rescued.  We started talking about this last post.  Natalie initiated the process-at least as far as we are involved-and we are continuing it.
To refresh memory-Scooter was rescued from New Mexico and ended up in a foster home here, then Natalie adopted this sweet pup and, well, you know the rest of the story, at least up to now.

And that brings us up to today.  Today Scooter is happy-when he is out on a walk.  Or when Natalie is around.  When he is in the house with us, he still keep his distance-most of the time.  He is getting a little more trusting over time as he gains experience with us.  I can now go over to the chair near his day bed and pet him without him jumping up and scooting out of the way (see how clever his name is?-cool, eh?).  At least, some of the time he lets me do that.  I just tried and he, well, scooted.  He also sat on mom's lap all the way up to the cabin Friday.  Well, scooting was involved with that, too, I suppose.  He started out in the back of the Highlander, hopped over the grandsons on the back seat and ended up kind of stuck between the two front seats, so mom hoisted him up on her lap and he enjoyed the rest of the journey there.  Did I tell you earlier that Scooter could easily have been named "Walter"?  "Walter" you may ask.  Have you read the book?  Have you smelled the smells?  Well, Scooter has very potent flatulence (look it up or ask your parents.  Just don't ask them for a demonstration...).  It was a car trip with windows open often to allow in the sweet fresh air.  And to let out the sulfuric-tinged methane.
Well, in any case, Scooter is scooting a bit less, allowing himself to be petted and even sits in the middle of a cabin full of kids and noise-progress!
But I don't think he knows that it is OK for him to act like he has been rescued yet.  Sometimes being rescued seems like a process as we learn to trust, believe and, eventually, love.  And we all are in the process of being rescued.
For us, the work to provide our rescuing has been done.  It is now up to us to figure it out and learn to believe, trust, act and love.  Then we can find Joy.
Scooter is joyful at times.  He loves his walks.  And he loves to play with us-when he figures out we are playing with him.
Just like us-there are times in all of our lives when we feel joy-and those are the times we need to pause and reflect on how grand it is that Rescuing has been provided for all of us.
One more thought.  A returned sister missionary spoke in our ward today.  She spoke about changes and the atonement.  Fits with rescue theme, right?
One part of her story was that she moved from one part of Salt Lake valley to another while in grade school.  She thought that her new school would be full of friends and fun for her.  But it wasn't.  The other kids made fun of the "new girl".  She said that she began changing then, and not for the good.  She start thinking and doing things she shouldn't..  She was fortunate a few years later to have other experiences that brought her back to an understanding of the truth and her worth as a child of God.
I bring this up to remind all of us to be kind and thoughtful to all the people around us-even the "new kids".  Or the kids who don't quite fit in.  Our care for others can be a literal Godsend (Captain L would approve-no need to restore balance) for them.
OK-enough for tonight.
One last observation.  We were required, by the grandkids who stowed away in our car, to listen to James and the Giant Peach on the way to/from the cabin.  Let's just say that I would buy an album of Centipede's songs!
Good night.