Bookbag packed, notes from the writers’ meeting were placed inside my journal, pen put back inside my purse, and conversations continued as attendees of the meeting left the room. The monthly gathering of the ACFW SC Lowcountry chapter had ended. Some members chatted about going to a local restaurant for lunch. Others mentioned having appointments. As I said goodbye and left the building, I didn’t know that I would encounter an interesting sight on the way home. Was it a fox or a coyote?
The Lowcountry of South Carolina has many ponds. Signs are posted in every neighborhood. “Watch out for alligators and snakes!” “Beware of wildlife!” “Do Not Feed the Animals!” Each sign is posted to ensure safety.
As Bop drove from the library parking lot and headed towards home, I glanced at the first pond we passed. I was looking for an alligator. But, to my surprise, I saw a strange sight standing at the edge of the water. Was it a fox or a coyote?
“Bop, Bop. Turn the car around. We have to go back. I saw an animal standing beside the pond.”
The traffic light we were approaching turned red, so we had to wait. When the light changed to green, Bop made a U-turn at the intersection and headed for the pond. The area has a row of businesses. Restaurants, dental offices, yoga studios, a children’s play area, and more. I couldn’t believe what I thought I saw. A wild animal.
Yes, the neighborhoods are filled with a variety of creatures. Hawks, eagles, herons, egrets, gators, snakes, lizards, and more are natural visitors. Actually, those animals were here before the humans decided to build homes and businesses. I continue to find excitement in seeing each one, except for the snakes.
Bop slowed the car and turned into the parking lot by the pond. I shouted, “Wow! There it is! Look. Is that a fox or a coyote?” We’ve seen both foxes and coyotes, but I wasn’t sure which one stood beside the pond. I did consider that the animal was in the same spot and hadn’t moved.
Bop parked the car so I could take a photo. When I lifted the phone to take a picture, I realized the animal wasn’t alive. This was a plastic fox or coyote positioned to scare away the geese or other unwanted creatures. Silly Mimi. All that excitement over something that wasn’t alive.
We laughed and joked about how excited I had been at the possible sighting of a fox or coyote. Yes, I often say that it doesn’t take much to make me happy. Thinking I had seen something fascinating and rare made me remember that God gives laughter to us in the ordinary situations in life.
I’m thankful for the joy God provides. When things are going bad and don’t seem to be getting better as quickly as I want, I remember that God will send joy. I need to be ready to accept the small, everyday moments and find laughter.
Have you seen anything unexpected lately? Share in the comments.
Have a fun and blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
I love this! I’ve been fooled by logs, sticks, and rocks over the years. But that’s ok – it keeps me on my toes!
Haha! Yes, we can be fooled by different things. Good to find the humor in those situations. Have a blessed week! 🙂