Inviting Allie In

Romans 8:39
Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Allie arrives at Danny's home years ago when his boys are small.  She is a stray. An outdoor cat looking for a home.

Feeling sorry for her, Danny begins feeding Allie outside and makes sure she has fresh water.  The boys are smitten with this gorgeous kitty.  They beg their father to take her in.

"A cat in the house will drive the cockatiel crazy," Danny tells them, "but we can make her a comfortable place in the garage."

Everyone is pleased with the arrangement.  The boys shower Allie with lots of love and attention, making sure she goes outside with them when they play in the yard.

And, Allie seems perfectly happy and content to be where she is, even though it means being separated from the family more often than not.  She grows accustomed to it.

When Danny and I are planning our wedding, we discuss the pet situation.  I am bringing my dog, Maggie, who never met a cat she didn't like, and cat, Jordan, who never met a cat she didn't hate.  We are hoping beyond hope that Jordan will make an exception when it comes to Allie.  Since the bird is no longer with us, we would like nothing better than to have all our pets together.

So much for that hope . . . You can read all about Allie and Jordan's strained relationship here.

So, poor Allie remains in the garage, and Jordan gets the run of the house.  We go out of our way to spend time with Allie, but I think it's never enough.  I hate that she is separated from us, but what alternative do we have?

Then, as many of you already know, we have to put down a very ill and elderly Jordan this past December.  I am heartbroken.  I weep while cleaning her food and water bowls for the last time and bag up her litter pan for the trash.  The house seems so empty without her . . .

Danny offers comfort.  "Let's wait a week or so for Jordan's scent to fade, and then we can try Allie in the house.  What do you say?  Don't you think it would make you feel better about losing Jordan if you had Allie to keep you company?"

"I'm sure it would," I say, "but, after all those years in the garage, will Allie be able to adjust?"

"We won't know unless we give it a try.  I'm game if you are."

I am.  We invite Allie in.  And, this much beloved cat adjusts beautifully!

Indeed, we are blessed!

~

Are you going through the pain of being separated from a loved one?

Will you pray with me?

We are so thankful, Father, that nothing and no one can ever separate us from Your love which is in Your precious Son, Jesus.  Comfort those who cannot be with the people they love at this time.  Reassure them that they are cradled in Your loving arms.  Amen