I was running late today (2 puns intended) , enjoying this Sunday morning, trying to get in some miles before church.  As I started up the street the block over, I begin to hear pounding hooves behind me.  Yes, the runner's nightmare, a dog!!!  This was my normal 3 mile course, safe, no dogs just dangerous sidewalks.  As I heard the drumming of those feet, in that split second, I had to make a decision, fight or flight.  I am a coward, through and through, and flight would typically be my option but this 50lb dog with 2 more feet than me was certainly going to catch me within 10 feet, so I stopped to fight.  I did give warning to the owner who was trying to retrieve the dog, "You better get your dog" as if I was going to use one of my P90X back kicks on him and just keep going.  HA!  As the dog closed the gap and got within biting distance, I faced him (you know, facing the giant) and extended my hand to him, such as an olive branch of good will and peace.  His response was to show his teeth and growl but I took it as a good sign that  he was wagging his tail.  I might have miss read that last sign.  I did speak in a friendly voice, calm, low pitched, telling him he was a good boy, all the time facing him while he circled me.  Finally the owner, began to gain some ground from the back of his house, of course with another dog in tow and slowly enticed his beloved pet to return to him.  I continued that first mile at almost record pace, finishing the 3 miles with a decent time.

When we are confronted with difficult situations, we have typically two choices, fight or flight.  Each circumstance can demand either of those choices and it would be quite right in that incident.   A great example of fight/flight can be viewed in the life of David in 1Samuel.  He faced a lion, bear, Goliath, hide from King Saul and faced King Saul.  Of course those are just a few of his life events.  It can be difficult to discern the right course of action but in all circumstances, God is with us. 

My life verse which is a verse that has just resonated for a long time in my life is Joshua 1:9 " Have I not commanded you? "Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go".    We have been many places and done some things that only God could do through us, all of which could not have happened with out the assurance that God is with me wherever I go......even running the race.