An Angelic Coyote Guide – Guideposts

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Burga, my 50-pound Rottweiler, jumped out of the pickup truck when we got to Boynton Canyon in Sedona, our go-to spot for a late afternoon stroll. “This might be our last walk for a while, Burga,” I said as I led her to our favorite trail.

I was scheduled for foot surgery the next day and overwhelmed with worries. Would things be worse than the doctor initially thought? Would I fully recover use of my foot? Would the surgical staff be well rested before the operation? My fears were out of control!

When Burga and I got closer to our usual trail, we found a group of young worshippers gathered at the threshold, heads bowed in prayer. I didn’t want to disturb them.

“Come on, Burga, we’ll explore a new path today.” She hesitated. Burga was very sensitive to potential danger and was quick to alert me if she suspected any threat whatsoever. “It’s okay, girl,” I assured her. “We won’t go very far.”

My promise put her at ease and we headed off. I wish something could calm me as easily, I thought. I’d bowed my head many times in the days leading up to this operation, asking for God’s loving reassurance but so far, to no avail.

There should’ve been plenty here to take my mind off my troubles–towering red buttes, deep crimson cliff walls, desert gardens decorated with Agave cactuses and Arizona sycamore trees.

As Burga and I covered new territory, I tried to strip away the anxiety and enjoy the scenery. But today my worries had too strong a hold.

I’d lost track of how long we’d been walking when Burga stopped short.

“What’s the matter, girl?”

I looked around, surprised at how disoriented I felt. We’d never been anywhere near this part of the canyon before. I surveyed the area for other hikers, but we were all alone. I listened for road traffic. Silence.

The sun shifted shadows over the edges of the sandstone rocks. Night was coming. All kinds of wild animals lurked in the canyon. Bears, bobcats, coyotes…

Panic rose in me. Even my fears about my operation paled in comparison. We were lost!

Read More  A Coyote Guide – Guideposts.