My Friend, Melissa

Many of our Apopka friends may know Melissa, the friend I am living with right now. However, I want to introduce her to our Tarpon friends. I've been thinking about how to do that because it's kind of hard to "introduce" her by way of a blog. I received my answer today. She sent me an email and I asked if I could share it on my blog. I firmly believe you will get to know her a little from her words.

"A quick story . . . I was thinking the other day about how we sometimes pray. Here's what got me reflecting on that . . . my dogs. I know, goofy, right? But here's what it was. Every single morning, for the past 15-plus years, I've fed my Tobi quite a yummy (or so she thinks), healthy, hearty breakfast. She gets plenty of food, and I even microwave it and mash it up so that it's soft for her old-lady teeth. And every morning, she waits patiently for her breakfast and then gives me a look of loving adoration when she's finished eating it, right? NOT! The entire time I am preparing it, she whines, she dances, she scratches my ankles, she barks, she whines some more when I correct her . . . it's a loud, obnoxious process. I get no thanks other than a super-stinky belch when she's finished. (She does look at me in loving adoration lots of other times, so my ego is not terribly wounded.)

How often do I approach God in much the same way? He's lovingly and generously provided me with everything I could possibly want or need, yet along comes a bump in the road, and I'm crying, whining, and begging. Sound familiar? I think Tobi and I are biologically related.

I just wanted to share that with you, in case the idea resonates. I am reminded of what Jesus teaches us about God:
"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:11-13)
And the Psalmist's words, too:
O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I'll bless his holy name!
O my soul, bless God,
don't forget a single blessing! He forgives your sins—every one.
He heals your diseases—every one.
He redeems you from hell—saves your life!
He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown.
He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.
He renews your youth—you're always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right;
he puts victims back on their feet.
He showed Moses how he went about his work,
opened up his plans to all Israel.
God is sheer mercy and grace;
not easily angered, he's rich in love.
He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,
nor hold grudges forever.
He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,
nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.
As high as heaven is over the earth,
so strong is his love to those who fear him.
And as far as sunrise is from sunset,
he has separated us from our sins.
As parents feel for their children,
God feels for those who fear him. (Psalm 103)

So, there you go. Just wanted to remind you, as I am reminded, how loving and generous our Father is, how deserving of our trust. No need for worry, fear, or begging. We can come to him with total confidence of his love and care, his huge desire to give us very good things."

Be blessed...