Opinion : Pastor\'s Blog - Lifted up

Pastor Lanette S. Van

As a Christian, I believe that God speaks to us through a number of different ways.  This blog is not so much about swapping stories about cats as it it about sharing those "God moments."  You know, the times when God shows up or speaks to us in surprising ways, usually when we least expect it.  

So, let me get "the cats" part out of the way, first.

For 29 years, since my marriage, cats have found me, or maybe God has sent them to me. First, there was Bob, a little tiger tabby kitten abandoned by his feral mother in our backyard. Full of fleas and half dead, I brought him in to give him a safe place to die. Wrapped in a towel sprayed with flea spray and placed on a heating pad, Bob Cat Long Tail made a speedy recovery and spent 16 years as part of our household.

Next came Lydia Half-Ear who adopted me at a city park. She had been badly kicked around, and we ended up having a lot of broken teeth removed. Lydia ws a loving animal and a healer. When my husband or I or anyone who came to the house was in emotional pain, she would sit next to the person, purr quietly and just abide with them. (Good example for pastoral ministry.)

Blondie, a black cat, came next and is still with us. Blondie was living in our dryer vent for a couple of months until the weather turned cold, and she decided it was time to live inside. Before our recent move, she loved to watch "The Dog Whisperer," but we don't have cable here. She is my companion -- two middle-aged ladies trying to lose weight.

Harley, a little calico kitten, just joined us. She picked me out at a pet store where animals from a local shelter where being displayed. She reached out a paw to me, and well, what can I say. This was during a time when most of my time was being spent with people in hospice or at funerals.

I once read something from G.K. Chesterton about God. (The source slips my mind.) A child on a swing will often squeal, "Whee! Do it again!" With that same enthusiasm, God greets God's creation. Harley, who finds delight in every new thing has brought that kind of excitement and enthusiasm, that joy of life, back to me.

She is a reminder that God's steadfast love and mercies are new every morning, and with each morning comes grace and love and the opportunity to discover something new and something holy.

I hope to hear about your own "God moments."

Last night, Harley discovered the pull chains on the ceiling light/fan. Far beyond her reach, she circled underneath it, crying, and frustrated. This morning, after we were all up and ready for the day, I found her curled up asleep on the piano. I suspect she spent most of the night trying to get at those pull chains.

As soon as she was awake, it began again. So I lifted her up so she could play with the chains for a few minutes. I know, I've probably started something I'll regret later, but it reminded me of something very important.

Sometimes, I feel like God calls me to do things that are just beyond my abilities, or I try on my own and just fail miserably. But it is God's grace through Jesus Christ who lifts me and supports me so I can do and be that which is more than I am.

Pastor Lanette S. Van, is the pastor at the following churches:

Brandon United Methodist Church
507 Main St., Brandon, IA
Sunday Worship: 11:15 a.m.

Garrison United Methodist Church
105 Sycamore Ave., Garrison, IA
Summer Worship: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m.

Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church
216 E. 4th St., Vinton, IA
Sunday Worship: 8:30 a.m.

Pastor's Cell: (319) 651-9408
Pastor's E-mail: pastorlanette@gmail.com

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him." -- Lamentations 3:21-24