Thursday, March 7, 2013

A LIFE COMPANION

Baxter costs.  He costs money in vet bills, food, litter and occasional toys and pet paraphernalia.  He costs time in making sure he is fed twice a day, and his litter is cleaned once a day.  He costs my convenience to turn on the spigot when he wants a drink or allow him in my lap when he needs some up-close contact.  Having a pet in the house costs its owner in many ways, but it’s worth it.  Not that Baxter pays any of his own bills or does any of his own chores around the house.  His house servant—yours truly—has sole responsibility for such things.  Still, Baxter is worth all the expense and bother for one reason—companionship.

He greets me whenever I come home.  He usually likes to have me around and misses me when I am gone for long periods.  He senses when I am having a bad day or am not feeling well, and he tries to stay close.  If I feel ill and lie down for a nap, he lies against me for comfort.  If he’s sitting with his back to me and I call his name, his ears turn backwards to pay attention to the call.  If he is lying on the floor and I say his name, his tail swishes, and he repeats the movement each time his name is said.  As my Dad used to say, “He’s some cat!”  Baxter is a great companion.  We have learned to communicate with each other, to live together with our separate set of needs, and to care that each other is there.  Baxter is definitely worth the bother of having him around, and I believe he thinks the same of me.

But there is a third party in our house whose companionship is shared—God.  God is certainly not another cat, but He knows the feline outlook on life because He created these fascinating creatures.  God did become a human being in Jesus, so I believe I have some advantage on Baxter in the divine relationship area.  God lives with us, Baxter and me.  Most of the time He’s a silent companion in the house.  He’s little bother.  He adds no additional costs to the household budget.  He goes along with our routines, and doesn’t demand much.  His special food is taken at the church down the street in Christ’s body and blood.  But instead of being fed, He feeds us.  He’s quiet most of the time, but He likes some special music on occasion—hymns, religious songs, Christmas carols and Easter anthems.  We speak throughout the day, sometimes for short periods and at other times for longer conversations.  He doesn’t say much, nor does He often give direct advice.  He most often offers inspiration, encouragement, consolation, and support just by His presence, but sometimes He delivers a challenge, or even a rebuke.  All in all, God is very easy to live with, if I just welcome His presence and take Him for what He is—the unconditional love that is the eternal truth about life.

God is in your house too.  Take the time to notice Him.  That’s all He asks.  No special food or quarters or personal accommodations are required for Him.  But He is the best companion you could ever wish for, even better than the best pet.  Welcome Him, talk with Him, let Him get close.  You won’t regret it.