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! 🙂
Thanks for the morning smile, Melissa. I love those fun moments when we can laugh at ourselves.
Thank you Diana. It’s always a story with the Henderson’s. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
That is hilarious. I once mistook a carved black bear for the real thing. 🙂 The joy of the Lord is our strength. Thanks for sharing.
I’m learning that many folks have made this type of silly mistake. I’m glad I’m not alone. haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂
I get excited by wildlife, too! Would’ve done the same thing!
Wildlife is fascinating! 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂
What a funny twist on the story! We used to keep plastic snakes on our patio furniture to keep the birds from using the bathroom there. But then we had to explain to guests why we had snakes there and assure them they were fake. 🙂
Haha! I would definitely be afraid of the snakes, even if they were fake. Glad you explained to visitors that they were not real. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Cute story, Mimi, about how you were fooled. Here in Texas, we have the real thing, and it’s definitely not plastic! How I wish it were. When there’s a sighting, neighbors notify our area so that the little dogs and other small animals can be protected. People take a stick along on walks, just in case. Have a blessed week, safe from wild animals.
Thank you Karen. In the Lowcountry of SC, people carry sticks and stay on the lookout for gators. 🙂 Stay safe. Have a blessed week! 🙂
What a cute, funny story!
I enjoyed it.
Thank you Wolf. I appreciate your encouragement. Have a blessed day! 🙂
Haha! What a fun post, Melissa. I really thought the animal was real and was waiting to find out if it was indeed a fox or coyote. The photo is neat with the reflection in the water. And I love what you said about God’s joy. God bless!
Thank you Karen. God gives us many blessings to enjoy. I’m thankful for His love and glory. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Such a delightful message Melissa. Thank you for a smile and warming my heart.
Thank you Yvonne. Have a wonderful and blessed week! 🙂
Ha, I’ve done something like this!! There’s a fake deer at a home not far from me, and the first time I saw it I could have sworn it was real. Now I get a chuckle every time I drive past.
I love that God gives us those special moments of laughter. Have a blessed week! 🙂
Thank you for the smile, Melissa! It is always a blessing to find a moment of unexpected joy in our lives. 😊
Thank you for reading and commenting. I pray that we all find joy in each day. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I can see myself having the same reaction, Melissa, to what seemed a rare animal- sighting. And with you I want to be “ready to accept the small, everyday moments and find laughter”–gifts from God that I don’t want to miss! / This spring we had a family of barred owls living in the little woods behind our house. One morning the father (we think) stood guard over his territory–from our deck rail–just a few feet from the window, and stayed for perhaps 20 minutes. We were mesmerized!
How exciting to see the owls! God gives us wonderful sights and sounds to enjoy in nature. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! 🙂
I’m sure you were not the first person to mistake that decoy as a real fox! We have a fox in our area that likes to tease the dog, but thankfully the fox and my cat seem to tolerate each other!
Haha! Yes, I’ve recently heard about other folks who thought it was real. Have a blessed day! 🙂