Bandit

“Jesus said, ‘I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with Me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. I have told you this explicitly because even though you have seen Me in action, you don’t really believe Me.’” John 6:35–38 MSG

He had a mean stare. His glaring eyes struck fear in my heart as he watched my every move intently. I slowly walked toward where he stood. He squinted his eyes fiercely as if to say, “I hate you, and you are invading my space. I do not want to see you, and I do not want you to see me!” He looked as though he might attack me. I smiled nervously, but his face remained stony cold. His cold stare never left my face. He made himself look as intimidating as possible…even scary!

I passed right in front of him. Our eyes locked on each other, watching to anticipate each other’s move. It was then that he made his last ditch effort to intimidate me. He flattened his ears tightly against his head, and hatefully hissed his meanest hiss at me.

That did it. He totally undid me, and I laughed. “Oh Bandit, you silly cat, you stole my heart, and I have faithfully fed you twice a day for years now,” I said with a laugh, “and yet you treat me as if I were your worst enemy. I carry food and water to you in my own back yard. I even feed you in the shed when it is the rainy season, yet you still do not trust me. Silly cat, are you ever going to trust me? You wait for me every morning and every evening, and observe my faithfulness to you. You know I will be here to feed you, yet you act as if I am here to hurt you. Can’t you tell from my provision that I love you? It hurts my feelings, Bandit. I want you to get excited when you see me, knowing I have something special for you. I took the time to fix it for you, because I care for you.”

Just then I felt a tug as if the Holy Spirit had just pulled on my heartstrings. Oh Lord, is this how You feel? Does it disappoint You when we don’t notice the nice things You have done for us? Does it hurt Your feelings when we do not trust You? Does it hurt Your feelings when You faithfully give us all things, yet we do not notice? Even the fragrance of Your love in Your creation all around us—the roses, the honeysuckle, and the scenery all around us speak of Your great love. The majestic mountains surrounding us, topped with snow from Your storehouses, shout Your glory.

May we not be guilty, Lord, of overlooking Your goodness to us, and treating You as the enemy because it’s too hot, too cold, too windy, or because we have so much work to do. We are undeserving, yet all day long You love on us, waiting for us to notice how much You care for us, and for us to appreciate and thank You for Your goodness.

Lord, I am responding now to Your goodness and grace toward me. Forgive me for the times I take You for granted. Thank You for Your provision, protection and love which is so evident if I just take the time to observe. You even brought a stray kitty for me to love and care for, and You used him as a love lesson to speak to my heart. Lord, I love how You can even use a gray and white kitty with an attitude. Thank You, Lord.