I am all settled into my new Classroom at Pawsitive Journey Training. It has been a very busy week, most days starting at 8 am and not ending until 9:00/9:30 pm. So much to do with the new Classroom; cleaning, setting up and moving everything in that I will need, plus keeping up with my already scheduled training sessions. I felt overjoyed as I put all the things I will need into place; CD player and CD's (you have to have music!), cones, pamphlets, tunnel, carpet squares, balls, leashes, collars, harness, class handouts and the list goes on. Usually, during the winter months I use an indoor facility that is used by many different groups. So I would pack my big black bag full of equipment, training helps, treats, cones - you name it, everything I need to successfully run my training classes - grab my sweet collie, Alli and off we'd go. Invariably, I would forget something and have to bring that item to the next scheduled class. I now have everything all in one stationary place! I also experienced the joy of decorating my space for the very first time. I love to decorate! I decided to add a few of my favorite things, such as my children's book collection about, you guessed it - dogs, pictured above.
My sweet husband helped me take the final few items to The Classroom today. We asked for God's blessing over this place and all who would enter. As we talked about all the possibilities, I felt the warmth of my tears falling down my cheek...I am so thankful, so grateful to the One who guides and directs my steps. One of my favorite verses in Philippians ran through my mind, "He who has begun A Good Work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus." I have dreamt of this day so very many times.
Truth be told, with all the excitement of this moment, I am a bit nervous. The what ifs have tried hard to poke their unwanted heads into my thoughts to make me doubt, to tell me there are many reasons why I just can't handle all this...time, family, finances. And...
Just then I had a call from a potential client. She asked so many great questions and I had a wonderful time answering each and every one. At the conclusion of our conversation, she mentioned she had sat in on my brown bag chat that I had done this past spring at our local library about "The Language of Dogs". She remarked at how much she appreciated how I spoke so passionately about what I do. That "it seemed this wasn't so much a profession as much as it was a passion," that I, "so obviously enjoy what I do".
What a perfect sign to chase away all those doubts... I whispered a prayer that The Classroom will be a place of welcome, hope, peace, a place to belong for humans and a good and calm place for canines where we build communication and understanding between the two species. I am savoring the moments and thankful for each one...this is A Good Work.
