August 2012

I have lived on a farm my whole life and farm cats have always been a part of my farm life experience. Of course I have had my favorites...Sunburn, Sneakers, Tiger, Mouse, but could not begin to tell you how many cats we have had over the course of many years. The farm cats do help control rodents and the kids do enjoy playing with them. Every evening when I drive  up the lane I have to nearly stop and slow down to a crawl all the way to the barn. I am greeted by several of our cats who run straight to the front of the truck and stand there and wait. Slowly they begin to walk in front of me "leading" me to the cat food. One handful in the morning and one in the evening is the general feeding for our cats. I generally throw them a handful and then go in the barn and feed the pigs. It doesn't take them long to devour what is there. What is really aggravating to me is that just a few minutes later, after I get done feeding the pigs, there are those cats at my feet, getting in my way, acting like they have not been fed in days! Are you kidding me? I just fed you! In Proverbs 30 we read, "There are three things that are never satisfied, four that never say, 'Enough!': the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, 'Enough!'" I think the writer should have added farm cats! 

Do you ever wonder if God looks at us like farm cats? Over and over again he feeds us plenty and before He can catch his breath we are at His feet begging for more? I have really been wrestling with this. We have so much and yet there are so many who have nothing. It makes you wonder and put to the test how many of our pursuits are of the self-indulging nature or of the loving our neighbor motivation. I know not very many of us would consider ourselves "rich", but most of us have at least been well fed. God says, in the Bible, that to whom much is given, much will be demanded. I don't think I have measured up to this very well. I have been given so much love from God, family, & friends that isn't to be stored up for a rainy day, but is to be given away...shared with others.

If you have a chance, join us for our South County "Love Your Neighborhood" BBQ Cook-Off this Saturday, September 15, at the elevator in downtown Malden. (don't blink) More info below and on the website. Let's transform the world, one community at a time.

Blessings,

Chris