Thursday, October 17, 2013

THE MUTT

Baxter is a mutt.  That’s not his official classification.  According to his veterinary records, he’s a domestic short-hair, but we all know that is a fancy term for “Mutt”.  He comes from common background.  His parents are unknown.  He was picked up off the streets as a kitten, and spent the first few months of his life in a shelter with other unwanted and unidentified felines.  So there is no blue blood to this beast, only common cat features shared by millions of others of the species. 

That is why his characteristics and antics speak to so many.  He doesn’t try to put on airs about his exceptional qualities and skills.  He has none.  He is a typical cat.  He loves to eat, sleep and play.  He sometimes craves affection, and sometimes he seeks solitude, not to be bothered.  He surprises me at times, and then he sometimes is so predictable.  He has his own peculiar quirks which distinguish him, but he also has the instincts common to any cat.  There is nothing extra special about Baxter—except to me.

Baxter and I have lived through some significant moments together--the death of my parents, three transfers, anniversary celebrations, holidays and parties.  These times shared have created a bond between us that, at least from my perspective, makes Baxter a special cat.  His pedigree doesn’t come from his blood-line but from the life-line we trace in common.  We share a history together, and the shared stories contained therein, where we played a part for each other, tell us who we are and how we matter to each other.

Now if that is what can happen between a person and his or her beloved pet, just think of what this can mean between us and our God.  We start out as God’s “Mutts”, lost, alone, frightened, and all thrown together in this common lot of human history.  But we gain our pedigree in baptism, and distinguish ourselves as disciples by living out our lives in faith.  So we share whatever life brings with God, and together we write another chapter to the story of salvation begun in Adam and Abraham and fulfilled in Christ.  That is, if we invite God into our lives as a partner, companion and friend.  If we bite the hand that feeds us His very Body and Blood, if we don’t come into God’s house for protection from the cold, harsh elements of our world, if we won’t allow God to name us as His sons and daughters in Christ, then we remain unknown strays, thought by many as common and disposable.

Mutts are lovable pets, and they become most loyal once tamed by care and safety.  That’s how God sees us and wants to treat us.  Give Him a chance to change your life, and lend Him a hand by helping others see God in your service. 

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