We have more barn cats than we need. I actually only invited 3 of them here, but more keep showing up. Each time a new cat comes around we do the “cat dance”. It goes like this: They watch me from a distance, they show up only at meal time (Step. Step.). Then they come a little closer and watch me pet the other cats (Slide. Slide.). After a little while, they start lounging on the patio and soaking up the sun (Twirl!). Finally, for the big finish – they bring me a prize (sometimes a rodent, sometimes a hair ball).
These wild, lost cats don’t want me to interact with them, not at first. They are watching me. They are interested and alert – but distant. They don’t come close until they determine that I am “safe”.
I respect their need for distance and I just make myself available. Sometimes I think that’s the most important thing we can do for someone – make ourselves available.
God calls us to love Him and love people. One of the most loving things we can do for someone is to be available – with open arms and a nonjudgmental heart. Sometimes, the gospel is lived out more effectively by our actions than by our words – especially today as people seem so angry and the rhetoric so relentless.
What if believers stopped trying to correct the lost and just took time to get to know them? A cup of coffee, a glass of lemonade and an available ear goes a long way to offering a broken heart or a wounded spirit a safe place to land. God will do the rest of the work, our job is to love.
We don’t need to have all the answers to the problems in this world. We need a soft, loving heart that is available.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15
