I’ll Love You Right There
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? …And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Matthew 5:46-47
Recently I was sitting at my writing desk working on a devotion and Gabby, our cat, wanted some serious attention. He was insistent on sprawling out on top of everything. My work comes to a complete halt when he wiggles his way into my work space. Beside my desk is a lovely blue chair with all the creature comforts to make him feel cozy. I tried to usher him over several times and told him, “I’ll love you right there!” He jumped down but the look on his face was that of a broken heart.
Truly in my best cat language, I explained that he is #1 and no matter where he sits or sleeps in this house, I am going to love him. Nothing seemed to convince him. He made one more attempt and I gave in! Really, what do you do when it is the middle of the night with house guests and a cat yowling for attention? It didn’t take but about 10 minutes for him to be comforted. He went off to find another location and I kept writing. We both won!
This incident made me think about how many times I have put people off in the same way. ‘I’ll love you from over there. Don’t get too close. I’ll wave and tell you that I hope your day is a good one.’ But in reality, I don’t care. What if they just needed a hug, a kind word—or even a smile? Please God, don’t ever let me get too busy or aloof to share a smile!
Jesus never put people off! Yes, He had human needs to rest and relax but I think we might be hard pressed to find scripture that says He didn’t care about others. (Let me know if you find something.)
We get so absorbed in our own lives that He barely ranks first place. It takes a major shake up to re-prioritize things and then we do a great job—for a while.
In some ways I want to be more like Gabby, persistent with my needs. We live together well! He makes his wishes known and Michael and I meet those demands. We care about him and give him love when he meows for it. However, I don’t want to be a yowler!
Help me tirelessly go to our Care-Giver with certainty that He cares and will hold me close.
Loving Lord, thank You for our relationship! Your pure love is an unending stream that gives me life and purpose. Teach me how to care as You do—without hesitation. AMEN.
Photo: Michael Johnston 12/2025