Messy Devotion
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14 (NIV)
We have two new kittens, Stan and Ollie, and they are as black as midnight. They offer us mischief, scampering feet, pathetic cries when they can’t find us, and intrigue with my laptop when I am trying to write a devotion. Susie Colby (All God’s Creatures) and I have quite a bit in common. Anyway, she gives new meaning to “neat and tidy” devotions.
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Part of my own devotional practice is to read, reflect, and sometimes write in my journal in the morning. My older cat, Tango, has long been a faithful companion in devotion, nestling beside me on the couch, occasionally interfering by sitting on my writing hand or open journal. The addition of our new kitten, Cleo, has disrupted our routine. Cleo zooms around the house, putting both Tango and me on alert in a manner not at all conducive to contemplation. Or, as she has done, Cleo nudges Tango off the couch and takes up residence in Tango’s spot. Cleo is trying to burrow under my sweater. It’s endearing, until—ouch!—she bites my bare skin.
I’ve been reflecting that the devotional pieces I write are so much neater and tidier than the devotional life I live. Cats frolicking and nibbling are but a few of the distractions that threaten my focus and devotion. Real life—work deadlines, household chores, social engagements, broken appliances (and don’t get me started on plumbing!)—all seem to conspire against my attentiveness to God’s presence in my life.
But the promise is that the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, among the real us, not our idealized selves. That must mean that God is here in the mess, the upended plans and unexpected challenges. What if I were to burrow into His side like the kitten burrows into me. Would I find refuge or chaos?
Just as I closed my eyes to contemplate the burrowing, I heard the unmistakable sound of Tango vomiting at the top of the stairs. Sigh…Today will not be the day of “neat and tidy” devotion. But devotion it is, nonetheless. I will scrub the floor and pet the cat, welcome the real cat, not the idealized version of memes or on Instagram. Sometimes devotion invites us to our knees in prayer; other times devotion invites us to our knees with water and paper towels.
Loving Lord, thank You for the precious moments when I can give You my undivided attention. Help me to find more time during the day or to learn to make the best use of my time. AMEN.