A paw is pointed . A gardener is stalked . And a face is licked.

“Aww, who do we have here ?”

I tipped my baseball cap .

” This is Kipper .”

” Well, Kipper, I’m Jeannie . I grew up in Santa Barbara and know everyone so you must be new here.”

Seventy years of Santa Barbara history was shared . My Chicago story was shared . And then a ,”Welcome to Santa Barbara, Lisa . You are so normal and we need more normal here .”

Soon paws were trouncing down the hill, dragging a leash and Asics behind .

The day went on and a mailbox was shut . A mailbox was opened and envelopes were retrieved .

“Hey Joe, happy Friday . How are you ?”

“Truthfully, my feet hurt. Kinda tired from dragging the mailbag today .”

A moment was shared. A smile was shared and then, ” Lisa you are so sweet . Have a great weekend .”

I watched the mailbag saunter down to the next mailbox .Being a mailman is a lonely job .

The workday was over and my nightly ritual was in motion .

Sand between toes .A ball is tossed and floppy ears running toward the tide ,but then a hiker’s backpack drew in a bark .

“Can I pet your dog ?”

I adjusted my straw hat . ” Sure. Kipper sit .”

The scruffy beard and flannel looked up ,” Wow . You are a real California girl .”

My lashes fell ,” Actually I moved here from Chicago .”

” Well that explains the niceness .”

One more pet and then a head was cocked and paws were trouncing towards a seagull . My toes walked away but my straw hat looked back at the flannel and thought …. We all want to be seen . Today I was seen and it felt nice .

My toes sunk deeper in the sand and my mind sunk deeper too .

We are all starving for attention . Social media feeds this . How many likes ? How many followers ?

I have been told by a potential publisher that I need more followers . I get it .They want a book to be profitable. What about me ? Do I need more followers to make a difference ?

Jesus only had twelve followers and yet their love changed the world .

Everyone wants to be liked. Everyone wants to be seen. It’s like we are sitting impatiently on our kindergarten mat for ‘Show and Tell’ with an arm raised saying,”Pick me . Pick me .”

Everyone sees and loves Kipper . But maybe it is Kipper who sees them first as her tail wags with enthusiasm that could slice steel as she willing takes the first step toward every stranger as if to say ,” I’m Kipper . I like you . You are someone I want to know .”

What about you ? Can you expose your soft underbelly , take a risk to REALLY see and REALLY love those around you .

I double dog dare you .

Open your eyes . Open your heart .And listen to the Whisper Within.

“Don’t pretend to  love others. Really love them .” Romans 12:9