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The Prodigal Bella October 27, 2009

Bella is my special sweetheart. She tugs on my pant leg till I make a lap then becomes a part of it. Bella always stays near and looks at me adoringly. Or she did.

Lately, finances have dictated a change in their menu and Bella looks at me with hurt eyes. She barely lets me touch her. She insists on spending the night outside in the dark, and the cold, and the rain, alone. Bella has been breaking my heart. I felt betrayed, too. Although things are different, she still had wholesome quality meat to eat, but no treats. Had I not proven her entire life that she can trust me to do my best for her?

Bella was anxious to come in this morning. She hurried to my lap as soon as I sat down, and curled up, and purred loudly. My heart leapt, and my eyes misted.

I realized looking down at this beautiful ball of purring fur that I could begin to understand what God feels in relation to me. The hurt I cause him and the joy. Christ will be the center of my world for a while, then I drift; I become lukewarm. I too go out into the dark and the cold and the rain alone.

Hurt, confused, and unsettled by uncomfortable change I, too often, react as little Bella did. I distance myself. It’s probably safe to assume He felt toward me as I felt toward Bella; aching to comfort and frustrated that she showed so little faith.

This morning I was given a great gift. Not only did I have my Bella happy on my lap for a while. I got an inkling of the joy my Father feels when I come to my senses and come back to Him.

I also got an answer to my prayer of what to do about her behavior. I know now to do what the Lord did with me. Love her, give her everything she needs, and be patient. That advice applies to our fellow humans as well.