Cats and Dogs

Today's blog is written by my friend and fellow writer, Carol Gilliland. She has been a great encourager for me in my writing. Enjoy this guest blog. You'll be glad you did!

I love animals.  I grew up on twenty acres out in the middle of nowhere.  I was around animals more than people.  We had quite a menagerie which, at one time or another, included dogs, cats, turtles, rabbits, lizards, goats, pigs, chickens, cows, a pony, and a few rescued birds.  

I know there is much debate on whether animals get a ticket to Heaven.  I’ll let you guess what I think.  😊 Whether they do or not is up to God.  Regardless, they are part of God’s creation.  What was His purpose in giving us such a variety of animals?

I like to think about things like that.  God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy.  The colors in a sunset (or sunrise, if you’re an early bird).  A meadow on a beautiful sunny day.  The incredible shades of blue in the ocean.  All that beauty inspires me and draws me closer to our Creator.

I don't pretend to know the mind of God.  But, from what I’ve learned, He doesn't create without purpose.  I think all His creation can draw us closer to Him.

I was reminded of that one night as I was thinking about the differences between our cat and dog.  Any dog I have ever had was always excited to see me.  I think of our Pomeranian named Maile and her sweet welcome when I come home at the end of the day.  It’s like she can’t wait to see me.  Of course, the same thing happens if I leave the room for five minutes.  She spins and twirls and wags her tail in sheer delight when she knows she's about to see me.  We don't have to do anything.  She just wants to be with me.  She brings me joy.  

Then there was our cat, Priscilla.  She might come when I called her - then again, probably not.  It just depended on what else she was doing and whether she wanted to give it up or not.  I mean - if she was taking a much-needed nap, how could she give up that opportunity to sleep when she's slept only 20 of the past 24 hours?  More often than not, her visits to my lap were on her timetable - at her initiative.  When she wanted attention, she would nestle in my lap and begin purring contentedly and then leave just as abruptly as she came.

As I thought about Maile and Priscilla, I realized my approach to God is often more like Priscilla's approach with me.  I don't always respond when God calls me.  It depends on what I'm doing and whether I like what He's asking of me.  I'm not always excited or even content just to be with Him.  I'm more likely to come to Him when I need something or want something.  I treat Him like Santa Claus.  I want to sit with Him for a minute, tell Him what I want, leave with a candy cane and the promise of getting what I asked for because I've been "a good little girl."  

How often do I long just to be in His presence?  Not asking for anything.  Just being with Him. 

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Psalm 16:11 (NLT)
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.

My goal is to be less like Priscilla and more like Maile.

#ordinarylives