Psalm 27:10 (ESV)
For my father and my mother have forsaken me,
but the Lord
will take me in.
I read a story today that illustrates this principle.
There is an ingrained enmity between dogs and cats. Take
my dog, Salida, for example. When she goes for a visit at my mother-in-law's
house, she tries very hard to befriend the two resident cats. But when her
efforts only result in hisses and snarls, she gets discouraged and feels
rejected.
The day we brought Roxy, our ragdoll kitten home, Salida
didn't feel that same enmity she had experienced from former cats. Yes, at
first our cat was a bit intimidated by her big canine sister, but they soon
became close buddies.
When going for a walk, Roxy insists to be treated like
the dog. She walks on a leash beside the dog, and even relieves herself on the
side of the road, just like her canine sister. She even plays with Salida. Take
the day, for example, that she jumped on Salida's back while she was sleeping.
The startled dog jumped up and ran, with Roxy lopping along under her belly.
Then Salida turned to see what had fallen on her, but she couldn't figure it
out, because Roxy was standing right under her. You could almost see the
twinkle in the kitten's eye.
Our cat loves our dog unconditionally. Both peace and
acceptance are possible in this world, but only when we are loved without
reservation.
This story makes me think that even amidst serious turmoil;
I can keep on smiling, for my Best Friend, Jesus Christ, has accepted me
unconditionally. We have all experienced rejection in our life, and there has
been only One who has reached out to us and accepted us for who we are without
reservation. In fact He willingly died on a cross for us so that we could
experience such joy and freedom. As we
head into the Christmas season what a great thing to not only remember but to
share with those we come into contact with.
Dear Lord, thank You that even among the turmoil of life
You have promise that You will always be there. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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