Diva

There was nothing better on a fall day than to be outside, among admiring people. She loved spending time in the camp. She had the attention of her dad and boy . . . and the admiring masses passing through.

When she tired of the admiring throngs she could retreat to a quiet spot in the shade; or she could warm herself in the fall sun with a just a touch of a breeze to cool her. Her favorite place, however, was inside the tipi.

The tipi was a wonderful place. With the flaps open the sun warmed the earth. A small fire pit in the center chased away any chill. The opening above was perfect for watching clouds . . . or birds drift past. She could hear voices as people came and went to the camp. However, best of all, it was the perfect setting for her to appear to her public; perfectly framing her black and white beauty; to entice pets or words of admiration.

People never failed her. Children loved to run their fingers through her thick fur--and often slipped her treats. She never tired of the praise of her adoring masses. Words, like, "she's so beautiful; what a pretty girl; she's gorgeous" were among her favorites. On the rare occasion she tired of the attention, she could retreat to the tipi once again, until another voice roused her and she stepped through the opening to revel in the admiration of her public once again.

It was such a wonderful time. One brought to a close too soon when they packed up the tipi, loaded everything in the truck and trailer, and returned home. Rushing into the house to see her mother and siblings she anticipated their words of love and admiration. She longed to bask in their love for her.

"Oh, you're back," was not quite the greeting she expected from her sister. Her brothers would be more enthusiastic, she was sure.

"Trouble's home!" again was not quite what she was expecting. Where were the words of love? Where was the admiration of her beauty?

"Hello, pretty girl." Now that was more like it. She shoved her nose into her mother's hands--waiting for the pets she knew would come. "I hear you've had a big weekend. I'm surprise your head is small enough to fit through the door," mom said as she ruffled her fur.

She sat, accepting the attention (as was her due) as her mother stroked her fur and then playfully ruffled her ears. Then, the unthinkable happened. Mom picked up the cat and walked away.

Perhaps she misinterpreted. She moved along by her mother's side, placing herself in front of her as she sat. Mom stroked the cat in her arms. Where were her pets? She stood up and placed her paws in mom's lap. Nudging the cat aside, she rubbed her head under mom's hands. She after all was the center of all . . . so why was mom still petting the cat?!?

Sometimes, we get caught up in our own opinions of ourselves. Sometimes we think others should constantly admire and praise us. Sometimes, we think of others as our admiring masses. Sometimes, we behave . . . like a Diva.

Too often the world disappoints us. Reality is harsh. Our desires and hopes are crushed.

There is one who always admires, loves, and supports us. Even when we behave in an unlovable manner, God loves us. Even when we bask in the opinions of others, or ourselves, God waits patiently for us to turn to God's love.

God is patient and kind; God does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. God does not insist on God's own way; God is not irritable or resentful; God does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. God bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. God--love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a adapted)

God, when our inner Diva comes out, we thank you for loving us anyway. We preen and expect others to admire us--forgive us. Help us, loving and patient one, to learn your ways and follow your path for us. Help us to follow your example of love, respect, and humility. So be it. Amen.