Brotherly love

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I am sitting at my desk this morning trying to get some work done. The to-do items are being checked off one by one but probably not with ultimate efficiency. You see, I am working under—literally—two difficult circumstances; one is named Loci and the other, Fraya.

These five-month old furballs are kitty siblings. We managed to find homes for the other four and the five that preceded them but ran out of friends to place the last of the kittens in loving homes. Hence, they still live in contented bliss under our roof.

These young cats are adorable even if somewhat demanding. As I type, both are curled up in a furry heap between my arms and my laptop. For a long time they lay draped over one another, hiding my arms under a mass of hair and whiskers. It was hard to type but harder to disturb their contented snoozing. But now, they are engaged in a peculiar activity: community grooming.

Fraya started it. She nuzzled her brother and then started licking his head with tender care. Loci accepted the spa treatment, purring softy as if to say, “More please. It feels so good.” Loci soon returned the favor, washing his little sister’s face and paws. It was a wonderful thing to watch. So selfless. So purely loving to risk hacking up a mountain of furballs in the interest of serving the other.

I wonder if there isn’t a lesson to be learned from my four-legged friends. Am I as willing to spontaneously show love to my friends or family? Am I willing to risk an unpleasant outcome or hardship in the name of showing selfless love to another? I think The Apostle Paul had a pretty good handle on this concept when he wrote:

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (Romans 12:9-13).

What a perfect season to be reminded of the importance of loving one another in practical ways. Hum. . .maybe I could surprise Gary with his favorite dessert. Perhaps I could drop a dollar in the red bucket of the bell ringer at Wal-mart. Or I could possibly write an encouraging note to a friend.

The possibilities are endless. Don’t wait. Love now. Love often.

Comments

Rick Gray said…
Thank you for the reminder. So too often we forget Paul's teachings.
November 30, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Rebekah Trittipoe said…
Yep! You're right about that.

BTW- Want a kitty or two? And, you guys are welcome to stay with us before and/or after any race that is around here. We would love to have you!
November 30, 2009 at 1:00 PM
Rick Gray said…
We currently have two cats and with as often as Tammy makes me travel to all of these trail races, I think that is enough. We might just take you up on your invitation for lodging sometime and I appreciate the offer.
November 30, 2009 at 6:06 PM
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