Cats and Dogs, Wolves and Lambs, Donkeys and Elephants

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat,...They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain...”
Isaiah 11:6, 9

I have a confession to make: I'm not a cat person. That might surprise those who visit our house, because we do have three cats (only one of which is an “indoor” cat). So, you can imagine my demeanor after Carol and Ben came home recently with... a kitten.

Granted, she is adorable, but still... She's a cat. And I'm not a cat person.

It turns out that we're only kitty-sitting while the kitten's owners are out of town for a couple of weeks. That makes it more bearable. I can enjoy the adorable-ness of the kitten, all the while remembering that the frequent feedings and supervised explorations of the family room will soon be a memory.

Truth be told, our dogs have had a much harder time than I have with the adjustment. I'm not sure you know this, but dogs and cats aren't natural friends; in fact, dogs have been known to act a bit aggressively toward cats. Our dogs were not happy when the kitten came to reside with us. The dogs don't understand when we tell them, “It's only for a couple of weeks.”

I have to give some credit to one of our dogs, Bella. Bella has been more curious than aggressive toward Kitty-Kitty (I am not giving the kitten a name, lest she become ours). Carol and/or I are always close by when Kitty-Kitty and Bella are in the same room. Kitty-Kitty prances around, climbing on the furniture, scampering underneath the couch, and pouncing on ribbons, toys, shoes, and anything else we leave out for her. Bella, for her part, follows closely everywhere Kitty-Kitty goes, her ears perking up in that “something strange is going on” way that dogs have about them. Occasionally, Bella will lick her lips, which makes us worry that maybe she wants to eat Kitty-Kitty, a fate even a non-cat-person such as I would not wish upon the cute little ball of fur.

After a week and a half, Bella got up on the same chair where Kitty-Kitty was playing. They both kind of froze in place and stared each other down for a few moments. Then Bella settled down, and before we knew it, Kitty-Kitty had laid herself down right on top of Bella.

The Peaceable Kingdom

Alright, even I let out an audible “Awwwww”. I mean, who wouldn't? Look how cute they are together!

It is a cute picture, indeed. But it is also, at another level, profoundly meaningful.

Almost immediately my mind went to a familiar passage in the Old Testament book of Isaiah. In the 11^th chapter we find a prophecy of the coming of the Messiah from the line of King David. In that chapter there is a description of the kind of kingdom the Messiah will usher in:

“The spirit of the Lord will rest on him (the Messiah) –

     the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

     the Spirit of counsel and might,

     the Spirit of the knowledge and the fear of the Lord...

“...with righteousness he will judge the needy,

     with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth...

...Righteousness will be his belt

     and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

“The wolf will live with the lamb,

     the leopard will lie down with the goat,

the calf and the lion and the yearling together;

     and a little child will lead them...

...they will neither harm nor destroy

     on all my holy mountain,

for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord

     as the waters cover the sea.”

Isn't that a beautiful picture of what our world will be like in the kingdom of God?! Can you imagine a world where all is good and equitable for everyone? A world where natural enemies actually come together in peace and harmony?

Come to think of it, I like to think that we have the opportunity to move toward that reality even now. We don't have to wait until the ultimate arrival of the Kingdom, for the truth is we are called to live into kingdom reality even now. I truly believe that Christ has already begun an amazing transformation in the hearts of all who believe in him. It is a transformation that empowers us to overcome the hostilities of our world and work for reconciliation, and peace. Even a superficial reading of the New Testament will draw us to conclude that, in Christ, the things that separate and divide and create hostility between people are no match for the grace, mercy, and forgiveness that are ours in Christ (see, for example, Ephesians 2:11-20, Galatians 3:26-29, 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Colossians 3:12-17, Matthew 6:9-15, Matthew 5:9, Acts 9).

I say this because my heart is heavy over the spirit of violence, vengeance, and enmity that is pervasive in nearly every area of life and in our world. Just last week a man opened fire on a group of Republican members of congress practicing for a baseball game, wounding five people before being killed by heroic action from the Capitol Police. In the aftermath people from both sides of the political aisle noted that the vitriolic rhetoric we hear 24/7 coming from politicians, activists, protesters, and alternative news outlets probably fed into the hatred of the man who pulled the trigger on the politicians. I just read a story on the internet (which means it must be true), that cited a Pew research poll indicating that "78 million Americans actually hate the other political party."* 

As followers of the Prince of Peace in whom the vision of Isaiah is fulfilled, we should expect better than the current political climate, especially as we claim a Judeo-Christian influence on our country's great history. Enmity and divisiveness should not be the default in our society. It's okay to disagree. Passionate people will disagree. Christ-followers of good conscience will disagree on any number of important issues.

But when our disagreements result in the demonization of those who disagree with us, we have crossed a line. No longer are we being driven by the spirit of Christ, which calls for understanding and reconciliation and mutual respect; instead, we have succumbed to a spirit far beneath the spirit of Christ. Enmity and divisiveness are deeds of the flesh (to put it in Paul's terms), not the spirit of Christ.

Leadership from both the Democrats and Republicans called for a more civil discourse. I hope and pray that their words are not empty.

Folks, if a dog and a cat can learn to get along (it is a learned behavior, an intentional act of the heart), then don't you think the elephants and donkeys can find a way to get along? I think we can. In Christ, we have the wherewithal to break down divisions and barriers instead of erecting them; we have the means by which to set aside enmity, and foster peace. 

Learn a lesson from Bella and Kitty-Kitty. Find a way to overcome the urge to hate and hurt. Find a way to come together, in peace, forgiveness, and mercy. 

That is, after all, the vision of the world where Jesus Christ reigns.


*http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/analysis-how-many-americans-truly-hate-the-other-political-party-about-78-million/ar-BBCUjHr?li=BBnb7Kz%C2%A0 

Relationship Goals

Love never fails...(1 Corinthians 13:14)

Last month I had a really cool opportunity. One of our church members is the activities director at a nearby retirement community, and she asked if I would officiate a vow renewal ceremony. Five couples assembled in a lovely courtyard in front of a fountain, as about 25 family members and other residents gathered to witness the renewal of their marriage vows.

Before the ceremony, the couples gathered in the hallway leading to the courtyard. Even though they had all been married well over 50 years, they were giddy with excitement as they processed to the fountain. When we reached the part of the ceremony where they renewed their vows, I went to each couple individually, had them look each other in the eye and repeat after me:

I, (Fred, etc.), embrace you, (Diana, etc.), as a gift from the hand of God;

and I reaffirm my promise,

before God and these witnesses,

to be your loving and faithful husband (wife);

in plenty and in want,

in joy and in sorrow,

in sickness and in health,

so long as we both shall live.

It was a beautiful thing to see grown men and women choke up and their eyes well up with tears, even after 50, 60, or more years of marriage. What a joyful evening it was! Of course, it was over at 7:30 – can't let something like a vow renewal ceremony make them late for bed...

I left the evening uplifted, encouraged, and hopeful. I thought to myself, “I want Carol and me to be that way in our 80s.”

Later on realized that I didn't need to attend a vow renewal like that in order for me to be inspired; I have my own parents and Carol's parents to serve as wonderful “relationship goals” for our marriage. In fact, as I post this on my blog, it is my parents' 60^th anniversary.

Happy Anniversary, 

Sidney and Kaye!

60 years. What an amazing example of steadfast, persevering love. 

Carol's parents are about to celebrate 62 years of marriage.

I am, truly, inspired.

As I think about the secret to longevity in marriage, my mind immediately focuses on love. (If you know me, you will know that love is pretty much the secret to everything!) But the kind of love that will fuel a marriage through the years is more than a warm, mushy feeling inside you. The kind of love that marriage requires that self-interest diminish, and the welfare of the other increase. Paul describes this kind of love in his words found in 1 Corinthians 13:

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...

I think about the people who have been married for so many years (like my parents, Carol's parents, and the folks at the retirement community). I realize that they have gone through seasons of great happiness; but they have also faced tremendous challenges together that were anything but happy. They have had to forgive, and ask for forgiveness. They have been rich, poor, sick, and healthy. They have made sacrifices for their spouse and family.

And through it all, love. In Colossians, Paul lists a number of noble character traits that followers of Christ should manifest in our lives. You know, things like compassion, kindness, gentleness, humility, forgiveness, patience. Words that most of us would want to be used in describing ourselves. After listing these noble character traits, Paul says this: “And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” (Colossians 3:14)

All this, to say that if we want to reach relationship goals like my parents, we have to love. I am forever grateful to my parents for demonstrating this to me, every day.

Love. It really is that simple.

Not easy. But simple. And mandatory.

Now these three remain: Faith, hope, and love.

And the greatest of these, is love.*

*Paul's words, not mine. But I wholeheartedly agree with Paul on this one!

Appreciating Family

“Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; and Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram...”Matthew 1:2-3, KJV

I never got into the genealogies in the Bible very much. They are always long and confusing, and the names are usually strange and difficult to pronounce. For example, won't you try to keep track of who's who as the descendants of Joseph are described in the book of Numbers:

“The descendants of Joseph by their clans through Manasseh and Ephraim were:

The descendants of Manasseh: through Makir, the Makirite clan (Makir was the father of Gilead); through Gilead, the Gileadite clan. These were the descendants of Gilead: through Iezer, the Iezerite clan; through Helek, the Helekite clan; through Asriel, the Asrielite clan; through Shechem, the Shechemite clan; through Shemida, the Shemidaite clan; through Hepher, the Hepherite clan. (Zelophehad son of Hepher had no sons; he had only daughters, whose names were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milkay, and Tirzah.) These were the clans of Manasseh; those numbered were 52,700.

These were the descendants of Ephraim by their clans: Through Shuthelah, the Shuthelahite clan; through Beker, the Bekerite clan; through Tahan, the Tahanite clan. These were the descendants of Shuthelah: Through Eran, the Eranite clan. These were the clans of Ephraim; those numbered were 32,500. These were the descendants of Joseph by their clans.

So, here's my question: How are the descendants of Shuthelah related to the descendants of Hepher?

You see what I mean? It's just confusing, trying to put the pieces together and keeping track of who's who.

But recently I gained a new appreciation for those who persist in genealogy. I attended a family reunion of cousins on my father's mother's side of the family—the descendants of Roscoe Benjamin Hughes.

Most of my grandmother's siblings and their offspring ended up in the upper midwest or the western states; my father married a Texan, so naturally he ended up in Texas. As a consequence, my siblings and I never really got to meet the Hughes side of the family. Even my dad hadn't seen most of the relatives from that branch of the family in over 30 years.

The reunion took place in Lincoln, Nebraska, home to one of my father's cousins. Because of the distance, and other time commitments, Carol and I had initially decided not to attend the reunion. But at the last minute we decided to make the trip.

I'm glad we did. Very glad.

We discovered that I have some pretty awesome cousins. Second cousins, first-cousins-twice-removed, whatever – they are family, and it was great to get to know them. We started the weekend as strangers, but that didn't last long. There was immediately a sense of warmth between us as we visited. Of course, we ate a lot of meals together (Thanks, Ellen and Lynn, for making your kitchen our central gathering place!), and it was around the table that we were able to converse and get to know one another.

We spanned the spectrum in terms of vocation and life experience. And yet, I didn't feel like our differences set us apart from one another so much as they enriched and enlarged our identity as a family.

Fun fact: in the four generations including my great-grandfather Roscoe, we have five ordained ministers (six, if you include the fact that my daughter is a youth minister and will surely one day be ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament).

I now know that my family also includes a firefighter, a financial advisor, a teacher, an IT manager, a store manager, a hospital attendant; a retired aerospace engineer, and a retired artist for the Walt Disney company. I know that there are other vocations that I haven't mentioned because, frankly, our focus wasn't on what we do for a living, but on who we are.

Carol and I came away from the experience with a great appreciation for our family. And an awareness that our family is much larger than we had previously considered.

My parents (center), with my "new" cousins:
Carol and Leon Hughes (left)
Lynn and Ellen Davis (right)

If I'm honest with myself, I will admit that I treat family differently from others. Family is special. I tend to be more patient with family; I tend to be more compassionate with family; I tend to think more often about family than others; I tend to take more time to listen to family.

Family is special.

In his letter to the Galatians, Paul was writing to a church where some people treated others differently because of their background. Even though all were Christians, some were from a Jewish heritage, while others were Gentiles. Those of Jewish heritage claimed a special status because of their ancestral ties to Abraham, something the Gentiles lacked.

Paul noted that that which ties us to Abraham (and the blessing promised to Abraham by God) is not bloodline, but faith. “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.” (Galatians 3:7) But that's not even the half of it, because Paul goes so far as to say, “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith... There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26, 28)

"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith..."

You know what that means? It means we're family. We, as in you and I, and all the others who are reading this post. And remember what I said about family? Family is special.

So maybe next time you think about church, look at it as a big family reunion. Get to know your brothers and sisters, your cousins, and uncles and aunts, and all your distant relatives in the faith. Get to know them, and appreciate them for who they are, and for what they mean to us all. You don't need to get hung up with all the ins and outs of the genealogy; who begat whom isn't as important as knowing that in Christ we are family. We belong to one another.

Til next time, cuz!