This week has brought tears as well as joyful celebration. Above you see our nineteen year old kitty on her last day of life. Illness overcame her until she barely ate, dropped weight to under four pounds, and could walk only with effort. Why an adult should shed tears over a fuzzy friend, is beyond me, but this author shed several. Crazy, I know!
By contrast, however, last week also found me pumping up the tires on my bike, after a two plus year vacation from bike riding, while two replaced knees healed. What a joy to begin bumping along our road, enjoying the breeze, but breathing extra hard on the “ups” and relaxing on the “down” portions of the road.
Sunday, as we took our short, two mile plus spin, we experienced and even greater moment. Rounding a corner, there on our right was this small deer staring me in the eyes. Stopping the bike, and yanking the phone from my pocket, I held my breathe. Would this beautiful creature of God stay still for a photo? Yes, he did stand still.
Life is a cycle – with both endings and new life. God gives new birth, and takes life, both in animals and in humans. Tears happen but are balanced with moments of joy, if we will only take a moment to stop, look, and rejoice.
As we face these troubled times in our country, we shed tears for lives taken, and then we also rejoice as new lives are created. Somehow, however, we must develop the ability to appreciate all people as children of God. We have an obligation to reach out to all with the gospel. Yes, shed a tear, when injustice happens, but then, in a peaceful, but intentional interaction, be a messenger for God.
God will be with us. We are to trust him and not be afraid as we spread the gospel. “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:3-4).
I ask myself, how many tears have I shed for those who know not God? BUT, an even larger question, what am I doing right now, to help reach folk today? Has worry overtaken my trust?
My prayer, “Lord, help me bold and wise at the same time, as I attempt to reach out to hurting folk. Thank you Lord. Amen”
About the Author
Ruthetta Getchel
June 1, 2020 at 6:16 pmThis is a beautiful piece…I’ve checked out a couple of other blogs lately and yours is by far the best inspiration. Thank you so much, Kathryn, for all the wonder you share with us from week to week. Your mother would be proud!!!
Kathryn Ransom
June 2, 2020 at 2:11 amRuthetta, you remember well. Yes, I do often remember my mother and hope she is not ashamed of what I do and say.
Sharon Reid
June 1, 2020 at 11:45 pmIt is not silly to shed tears for our fur babies. Have done so on more than one occasion. Sorry about Kitty. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Marjory Boudreaux
June 5, 2020 at 1:07 amKathy, As usual you blend ordinary happenings to remind us of extraordinary transscendent realities. Sorry about your kitty. Sid says if amything happens to our dog, he will be so sad. Marj
Shirley Bell
June 8, 2020 at 8:15 pmOh Kathryn n, I am So Very Sorry to hear that your kitty died.😪💔
Of Course you shed Tears! 19 years is a lot of attachment.
Glad you are out on your bike again. You are Amazing!😊
I am Thanking God for bringing the sweet deer to you Just when you needed it.❤️ I Pray He will fill the void in your heart and home.🙏
Thank You for this inspirational blog in the midst of your pain.
God Bless!❤️🙏
Kathryn Ransom
June 8, 2020 at 8:52 pmLife continues. Beautiful today, but a tad warm, so the deer will be hiding, if I go for a ride this afternoon. Thanks for commenting.
I just wrote one, actually two, but not sure if they get posted. I am still learning about this blog stuff.
Rosanne Elder
June 8, 2020 at 8:55 pmI had a college professor who said, “Life is a series of little deaths and goodbyes.” I challenged that it also was a series of new births and hellos.” Both are true. We shed tears at the goodbyes and experience joy with the hellos. You experienced both this week and used them to share a lesson about God.