Sunny Side Up Oct. 13, 2004 �2004, Kathleen Gibson God deserves more than a shopping list The long rays of the waking sun have tiptoed into the kitchen before me and spread their fingers wide over the silent space. I pause to stretch beside the armchair by the window. The rest of the house still sleeps, but Moses, our colossal mostly-white cat, purring in transparent joy, circles me impatiently until I sit. Then he begins 'the greeting.' Over knees, around shoulders-rubbing his curious nose to mine and patting my face gently with his wide white paws. It's a morning ritual I love, this unabashed show of affection, of "I'm so glad you're mine and here with me." It's all I can do to concentrate on the reason I dragged my sleepy self out here. But I have an appointment to keep, so I settle deeper in my chair and try to ignore him. Good morning, God," I sigh. Where to begin? So much prayer is needed. For a fractious world. For family. Friends. For church and country, finances and health. And wisdom- -- yes, I'll especially need wisdom this afternoon� Moses steps on the open page of my prayer journal, his paw and leg completely covering my requests. I nudge him off with my elbow and concentrate on the first item. "Lord, you remember what happened last week�." Moses arranges himself like a stole over my shoulders, his ringed raccoon tail tickling my ears and brushing my face. I push it aside, and continue. "Father, about that problem�" My stole slithers smoothly onto my lap. "Drat you Moses, must you purr so loudly? I can't even think." His green and amber eyes look adoringly into mine at the mention of his name. He's so sure of himself, so confident of his place in my favor. This appointment is not going as planned. Moses has taken my thoughts captive. "Sorry, Lord, but did you have to make cats so cute? I really can't resist him, you know!" The truth flies to my heart with the swift sureness of a pin to a magnet, as I remember how I began my appointment with God. How dare I greet my Provider, my Sufficiency, the Home of my heart, my Shelter in the time of storm, with a shopping list? How dare I be woken by the soft rays of the sun He created to sustain all of life and not thank him for another day? How dare I not drape myself over His lap and whisper a greeting of love in His eager ear? How dare I not adore, adore, adore? How often God has used His creation to help me see truth! How often I haven't listened. Not this morning, though. My request book will stay closed for awhile while I, princess and child, attend to the call to worship. God, my Father King awaits. He delights in me, longs for my company. I will attend. I will, perhaps, even purr. You can respond to this column at [email protected] |
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