TGIF
Smokey is not a “emotional support animal”.
He’s more like a roommate or tenant.
After years of having deep emotional connections to my cats, the one I have now is more like the clerk at the local convenience store.
I see her every day, but we don’t really connect.
The Big Smoke is a very pleasant fellow, but he keeps a polite distance physically and emotionally.
I would love for him to be as affectionate as past cats have been, but I think I’ve got what I’m going to get.
Some folks, knowing my emotional dependence on pets, have suggested I “rehome” him or replace him in order to get a “good cat”.
Never.
You see, I understand Smokey… because I’m a lot like him.
He may love me more than life itself, but he knows better than to show it.
It hasn’t worked out well before.
He has a naturally reticent personality…and other people have taught him the wisdom of distance.
I get it…and he’ll be the house cat here until he joins the prior residents waiting for me in a better place.
I’ve never raised my hands in a worship service.
I’ve never closed my eyes and swayed back and forth in public in adoration to God.
Never will. either.
All those passages about loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind make me nervous…I’m sure I don’t measure up.
I might feel it, but I won’t show it.
I don’t always feel it, either.
I’ve spent years wondering if I would make it home because i just can’t relate to God that way.
Then I met Smokey…and realized that acceptance isn’t dependent on how well you love, but on the One who loves you.
“For God so loved the world, …”
“We love Him because He first loved us…”
Smokey’s safe.
So am I…
Make your own application…
Michael,
I spent years feeling like I didn’t measure up because I’m terribly logical and reserved. I do have very deep feelings about many things, but I don’t show them often. When I do, I’m a train wreck. Finally, after some good conversations with some trusted friends, I found out I’m okay! It was a big revelation to me. God knows my makeup, my heart, and created me. Because I am so logical, I tend to be pretty reliable in a crisis-then I go home and fall apart.
As to cats, my current one is very needy in terms of affection and company. My last cat was very aloof, unless treats were involved. But I knew she missed me when I was gone for a few days because she wouldn’t leave my side for several days after. They’re all different, just like us.
May God continue to keep you by His grace, Michael. Me too š
So many times i recall our Lord’s words on the cross, ” My God, My God, why have You forsaken me? ” Was it then He bore our sins? My understanding of God’s perfect, holy love is pretty shallow, i think.
John 3:16 & 17 are not preached/taught nearly enough
Wonderful application, BTW
Linn,
People need to know God is good with all different personalities…because He created them.
You’re more than ok…you’re loved eternally.
Em,
We’ve majored on the wrath of God instead of the love of God…we need to get it right.
Thank you and may God keep us both…
A cat story for the aficionados here.
My daughter dog got in a tussle with a big Malnutrition yesterday evening and tore a dew claw loose.
As she attempted to bandage it the dog howled and would not cooperate. This went on for some time and finally her cat sauntered in, took about 20 seconds to size up the situation. Then he went around behind the dog and with claws unsheathed, swiped repeatedly at the dog’s rump. The result?
The dog calmed down, cooperated and is wearing a very tidy bandage.
Malnutician? ? ? Missed that auto correction
The dog was a rescue Malmute – just out of the animal shelter
I love Malamutes…but I love cats more…