A Furry Fest
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25
Many thoughts can ramble through our minds while on the way to church. Is there excitement, reluctance, pressure or maybe no feeling one way or another. Maybe we all need a mood booster and I think you will find it in Cathy Elliott’s devotion from All God’s Creatures.
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“Sorry, I’ll be out of town,” Marie replied to my invitation for an impromptu girls’ movie night. “It’s time for Yorkie Fest!”
Ah, yes. Who could compete with Yorkie Fest? Certainly not me, no matter how enticing the alternative plan. Marie and her daughter, Anne, had been attending their self-created event for years. Little chance of anyone intruding on that particular weekend. Part of me wanted to be included; it sounded like such fun. But as a Yorkie-less lass, I didn’t qualify. That was okay. I knew how much it meant to Marie.
She and her daughter bred Yorkies as a side business. But they sold them at a very low price. That way, the mother-daughter team wielded some control over the animals’ futures. The pups were offered first to friends of good repute and, as a result were easily placed. Providing a safe home and a good life was well worth the loss of profit.
But they also wanted to keep tabs on the puppies. So, they invented Yorkie Fest: an all-day gathering of owners and dogs at a friend’s expansive home once a year. Attendees brought potluck and puppies, ready to catch up with lunch and laughter. If a holiday was near, the pups might be dressed in costume to celebrate. And dogs could be purchased right on site and go home with their new family. Friendships also deepened as the group that so adored miniature dogs found they loved one another too—in a big way.
It reminded me of another gathering with a singular focus—that of believers who come together in worship to lavish love and praise on God and join one another for fellowship. I pray that I bring the same enthusiasm to my worship with others as Marie and her daughter bring to Yorkie Fest.
When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel. —Sushma Swaraj
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Father, thank You for furry friends and for our human friends with whom we can share our hearts and love. Help us to find joy in our meetings with You as we come together to worship. AMEN.