Moving to a New Spot

A little over a week ago, I made a horrible mistake. I didn't listen to my "gut". You know what I mean - that voice inside (God's trying to get your attention!), that says, "Do this." I didn't, though. Not trying to be disobedient or anything, but hestitant. I waited too long, and when I did a gorgeous old tortoise died. Because I hesitated. I should have moved him. Right when I got that "Do this" message. Why did I wait? Because I thought it might be the wrong thing to do. What if I moved him in the wrong direction, and he went back in the road? I should have listened, because by the time I went back, it was too late. He was gone...dead, I mean. I don't like to use that word, but that's what he was. I could have stopped it, but I hesitated. Too long.

So, I vowed to never make that mistake again. Yesterday, near the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, I had the chance to keep my promise. A little guy - a really little guy - was making his way across that same road. This time, I listened. And, I stopped and picked him up, and as I drove to the Center holding him, he tucked his little head, tail and legs in his shell. I know he was scared, but when I took him to the woods near the bayou, far from the road to introduce him to his new home, his gaze met mine. I think maybe he knew he was going to be OK now, at his new place.

When I told my husband what had happened he said, "Maybe this little guy was a baby of the fellow in the road last week."

Maybe so. I feel a little bit redeemed today.