The Ankle Biter

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So that you, together with all of God’s people, may have the power to understand how broad and long, how high and deep, is Christ’s love (Ephesians 3:18 GNT).

“Ouch, you mean thing,” I yelled as I was once again attached by the ole’ ankle biter. Every day or two, for no good reason and without any warning, the ankle biter grabs a leg and in one sweep, bites, scratches and runs. Then he nonchalantly sits on the couch unconcerned and passionless.  No one in the family has yet to understand exactly what possess this inappropriate behavior or how he selects his choice candidate, but I’m usually his favorite target. 

About a year ago, my youngest daughter and I were enjoying a day together at her favorite restaurant. While placing our order with the waitress, we got on the topic of animals. We shared our sadness due to the recent loss of our dog of seven years and our thoughts of getting another one soon.  Before she brought out our food, the waitress returned with a customer holding a little black kitten. The waitress had shared our story with the customer and suggested we may want a cat in place of getting a new dog. We were quite reluctant to say yes, because neither of us are big cat fans. The customer said that the kitty was almost hit in a dangerous intersection just minutes before she rescued him. She claims that she would keep him except she had to catch an airplane in a couple of hours and would be unable to take him back to Oklahoma where she lives. So we adopted the little kitty and named him Hagrid. That sweet little kitten turned into an independent, ankle biting cat.

 One day when I was wearing matching claw marks on both legs, I thought, “I’d like to kick that cat to the curb.”  Then, I began to wonder how God puts up with the incessant, improper behavior of humankind.  We mistreat others, often with no good reason, but He constantly cares for us anyway. He continues to forgive when we scratch and blemish the name and reputation of others. And, He continues to show His unending and immeasurable love even when we engage in backbiting or show no compassion by being unapproachable and aloof toward others.

The next time I pass Hagrid and scream as he grazes his sharp claw along my leg, I hope to remember God’s display of love and grace as he offers his lenient hand of forgiveness and mercy for my many transgressions.

Dear God help me appreciate your incredible mercy.

Michele