Gracie Stretchy (Everything that has breath...)

I know God has a sense of humor. My cat, Gracie is evidence. For anyone out there who knows me, follows me on social media or reads my blogs and articles, Gracie has been the subject matter of many musings. God captured my attention with her when Russell and I went to a shelter site. This was one of the photos that hooked me. Yep. Done for.

And, in the four years we’ve lived with she and her sibling, Glory, we’ve become acutely aware of her quirky nature. She, for instance, plays fetch… She “hammocks” on me (I am the hammock)…

And she does this stretchy thing. I haven’t yet been able to capture it on film because it happens in the form of a greeting. Gracie sees me, acknowledges me and proceeds to stretch against a wall, as if to say, “Pick me up.” (I usually do). I started thinking about how God instructs us to life our hands in worship to Him: “Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.” Psalm 134:2 “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 “Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place Psalm 28:2 “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” Lamentations 3:41 Yep, there’s a theme here. In fact, scripture further expounds on the praise and worship theme… “Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” Psalm 150:5-6 Everything that has breath needs to praise God. It’s not just people; it is also dogs and cats, beings of any sort? Hmmm… I see God’s personal relevance all over Gracie. I’m sure those of you animal lovers will understand how our beloved pets, indeed, are family, giving us so much love, amusement and comfort. Gracie has; she’s a little enthusiastic, loving love bug of a critter. And, whether it’s her name or her personality quirks, like her stretchy thing, she’s a reminder of God, His love and His Word. It’s a reminder, furthermore, of how involved God is in our lives. He is the great “I am.” “…And God said…I AM THAT I AM…this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” Exodus 3:14-15 With God, we’re reminded it’s never hopeless. All that from a cat? Yes, all that from a cat. Amen. Copyright © 2013 by Sheryle Cruse