Trust Like Molly Sue

My wife and I took the dogs and escaped the city for a few days, heading northwest to a little cabin tucked deep in the woods. It was meant to be simple: quiet, trees, fresh air, and a break from the noise of everyday. Instead, on the very first night, all the taps stopped working. No water anywhere.

Our host graciously upgraded us to another home on the next property over the next morning. This one had a wrap‑around deck overlooking a pond, more space for the dogs to explore, and more mosquitos to keep us humble. But standing there, surrounded by trees and sky, I couldn’t help but think about Our Creator. His design. His imagination. His generosity. Nature has a way of reminding us that God gives us everything we truly need when we seek Him.

This morning, as I stepped outside, an older black lab wandered onto the property. I learned her name was Molly Sue. She barked at me — loudly — making her case that I was clearly trespassing on her land. But her tail was wagging, just barely, in that hesitant way dogs do when they’re unsure but curious.

I slipped back inside, grabbed a few pieces of kibble, and slowly approached her. Tossed one. Bark. Tossed another. Bark. But she ate them. Eventually she came close enough to take one from my hand. And just like that, Molly Sue walked beside me down the path, right as her owner came running up apologizing.

Five minutes. That’s all it took for a wary dog to trust a stranger.

That moment made me think about us — about me. How cautious we are in this world. How guarded. How quick we are to assume danger, deception, or a catch. (Listening to Dateline and American Greed podcasts on dog walks probably doesn’t help.) We live in a culture that teaches us: "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is".

But that rule doesn’t apply to God.

Grace really is freely given.

Forgiveness really is offered without condition.

Love really is extended before we ever earn it.

He asks only that we receive Him, trust Him, and begin to love others as He does.

Just like Molly Sue, we often bark first. We hesitate. We keep our distance. But God is near — closer than we think — waiting for us to take that small step toward Him. And when we do, He meets us with kindness, patience, and a love that walks beside us.

If you’ve been wary… or distant… or unsure… ask Him to meet you today.

Then embrace His love and let it shine through you for others to see.

Grace and peace,

God’s Corner Store