Falcon

He had worked hard all summer cutting and splitting wood to sell for the upcoming winter season. The work was labor intensive and he finally had enough for his household to stay warm and to sell as well. Supplying his neighbors was important and helped to pay for the hay needed for his horses to eat through the winter.

The horse community in their tiny village had gone together to have a tractor trailer load of hay brought in for them to share. He had made the arrangement with an alfalfa farmer on the other side of the mountains to bring in the hay. They would have an unloading party dispersing the hay to the various stables in town from his central location.

All the plans were made. The hay should arrive at the end of the week. He was to pay for the entire load and then the others would pay him for their hay. He went to his desk to count his firewood money once more to insure he had enough cash to pay for the load of hay.

"Honey, could you check the dryer for diapers? I'm giving the baby a bath and forgot to bring clean diapers in with me."

He stopped counting the money, wrapped a rubber band around it, and placed it on the desk while he ran to the laundry room, got the diapers, and then in to play with the baby in the bath before returning to count the money. He reached in the drawer--no money. He looked around the desk--no money. He searched under the desk--no money.

Where had the money gone to? He had taken it out of the drawer and was counting it. His wife called and he put it on the desk with a rubber band around it. Where in the world was it. He searched the desk; the drawers; the floor; behind the desk; around the room; and then he saw . . . green slivers of paper on the floor. He followed them to . . . FALCON!

"Honey! Hurry, the dog got my hay money. Help me find it." They searched the area around the dog; under the dog; and finally found small pieces in his mouth. "FALCON! YOU ATE MY HAY MONEY!!!!!"

Grabbing the phone they called to vet to ask what to do. It seemed the money wouldn't hurt the dog. They might try making him throw up--if they could manage to do so without being bit in the process. Or . . . they could wait until he processed it and it came out the other end. FRUSTRATION!!!!

Eventually things worked out. He found money for the hay. He even managed to live with the teasing of his friends who heard about Falcon's new favorite snack. He found a new place to stash his money and made certain it was "Falcon-proof" as well. He even decided that the dog was more important than the money--how could he resist the husky's icy blue eyes, begging whimper, and sweet, loyal disposition. He forgave him, because he loved him.

Sometimes that may be how God feels about us. We see something that isn't ours, take it for our own, destroy it, and then when caught whimper and whine trying to get out of the consequences. God must be disappointed, frustrated with our behavior--and yet, still loves us.

Loving God, when we make unwise choices you love us anyway. You help us, support us, forgive us, and provide opportunities for us to learn more of you. Help us, O God, to follow your spirit and example when others displease, disappoint, or disillusion us. Help us to love others and treat them as we desire to be loved and treated--with compassion and forgiveness. So be it. Amen.