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More Than You Imagine

Susan Campbell - Author and Speaker

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Walking on the Wild Side

October 21, 2021 by Susan 5 Comments

Our dog Buddy moved in with us when he was six months old. Early on during our walks, I never really knew who was walking whom. But each time we returned home, I was pretty sure it was Buddy walking me because my arm felt like a noodle. A heavy leash and strong restraint helped keep him at bay, but Buddy ran a crazy path for as long as his leash would allow. Let’s call it what it was… walking on the wild side. 

It didn’t take long to realize we needed serious leash walking lessons. I didn’t want to stifle Buddy’s enthusiasm. Actually, I was envious of his behavior. Each time we stepped out for our daily “stroll,” my aim was to join Buddy in the adventure so we could both enjoy walking wildly together.

Today, our walks still look a bit out of control. We go this way, that way, over there, up there, down there, all over the place. But after the initial frenzy, Buddy takes his place at my side and before long we step into each other’s rhythm. We often pass other dogs. There is a well-trained Lab, a controlled Scotty, and a senior-citizen Dachshund. Buddy smiles at each of them with his tongue hanging out the left side as if to say, “Top of the morning to you!” 

Buddy loves walking anywhere, anytime — the street, the grass, the mud. He is such a role model to me for living life on the wild side. 

Walking on the wild side does not refer to being immoral or rule-breaking. It means to do things with abandonment, with enthusiasm and excitement. 

Jesus says, “I have come that they have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).

Yet sometimes Jesus followers seem so vanilla. We live a safe, unexcited, bland which doesn’t speak favorably to the wild & wonderful life to which He has called us. Perhaps walking on the wild side with Jesus looks a little like walks with Buddy where we: 

Explore every inch of ground as if it’s never been discovered before. 

Sniff every blessed thing along the way because it might not be there tomorrow. 

Smile at people along the way first. 

Taste every stick because it possibly could turn out to be the best stick ever. 

When you walk with Jesus you just might go to places you’ve never been or see things you’ve never noticed. The truth is, you may step in a few puddles and you might get a little muddy. But hey, that’s what makes walking on the wild so much fun. 

 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Martha Carpenter Smith says

    October 21, 2021 at 11:34 am

    Love your thoughts and suggestions for life! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Cindy Swann says

    October 21, 2021 at 11:46 am

    A perfectly delightful way to begin a new day! Thank you Susan, for sharing Buddy’s enthusiasm for life and your
    love of Jesus !♥️

    Reply
  3. Cindy Stuart says

    October 21, 2021 at 11:55 am

    Love your way with words…talking about Jesus. And someday I want to take Buddy on a walk. Blessings upon you, dear friend.

    Reply
  4. Kevie Hinds says

    October 26, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Thank you! This is exactly what I needed today – you are such a blessing!

    Reply
  5. Laurie WEBB says

    November 1, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    I love this Susan. I think we can actually learn a lot from our furry friends. I also believe God wants us to live an abundant “wild” life full of joy and adventure as we more fully discover his masterpiece in Earth and our souls. I

    Reply

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