Ankle Wrapping

Turning on to the street for home after a long day, she was relieved to find the gate open so she could just drive into the farm lane and not have to get out that extra time. The vehicle was loaded with items from her trip as well as the groceries she had picked up before heading home. Anticipating carrying everything into the house, she was pleased to see her husband come out to carry "stuff" for her.

First she wanted to close the gate so the dogs could play in the yard as they unloaded the vehicle. After latching the big farm gate she turned as she heard the sound of a purr. Streaking past her parked truck a tiny kitten ran toward her. His purr so loud she could hear him as he ran to her and wrapped his tiny body around her ankles.

Stooping to scoop him up, she looked to her husband. "Where did this one come from?" Shrugging his shoulders, the man denied any knowledge. Nestled in her arms was a newly weaned kitten, grey tabby with splashes of white as if he had just crawled through a bowl of milk. Reaching toward her, his tiny paws kneaded her and wrapped themselves around her neck.

Her husband joined her in checking him out, but they had work to do. Putting the kitten back on the ground she tried to step toward the truck--only to find the kitten wrapped around her ankles again. She gently moved him aside only to have him wrap himself around her other leg.

Slowly she shuffled her way to the house as the kitten wrapped around her, she gently moved him, stepped, he wrapped, she moved, again he wrapped . . . and on it went. As she finally made her way to the door, the kitten darted into the house, seeking comfort, warmth, and food.

Making his way out of the house for another load, her husband carried the kitten with him. She went to find food for him. As soon as she placed the food on the porch he ran to it and ate and ate and ate. Yet even as hungry as he was . . . every time ankles passed by he wrapped himself around them.

Eventually, they found him a place of safety on the deck, giving him fresh water, more food, and a warm, dry place to sleep. Every time they checked on him, he wrapped himself around their ankles and purred his admiration.

After checking with the neighbors, it was clear that someone had dumped the little one. His desire to love, his tenacity touched them deeply. A friend came over. The moment they saw one another it was love as first sight. Instead of wrapping around her ankles, he climbed into her arms and settled on her chest to purr, love and adore her and quickly fell asleep--knowing that this was his safe place--his person.

And so he found a home and a human to love him. His determination to belong paid off. He was adored and cared for as well. The love he had to offer was received and forever changed her life.

Sometimes, we go through life, thinking we are fine alone--we don't need anyone else . . . or even God to help us. Then somehow, God wraps God's self around us and shows us the unconditional love, the joy that is possible. God in tenacious in pursuing us and when we allow ourselves to accept God's love, our life is made better. When circumstances come that batter us and knock us off our feet, God is there, wrapping around our ankles to remind us that we are not alone . . . and we are loved unconditionally.

Tenacious God, help us to accept the simplicity and completeness of your love. May we succumb to the total rapture of your comfort and care. Soothe us through the rough days and when we wonder astray, wrap around our ankles so that we may never forget your love. So be it. Amen.