Sue Knisley - Guest Blogger
God is the father of mutts. He’s also the Father of all those other folks on the planet who seemingly have their life together, all their ducks in a pretty little row. This story isn’t about them. I’ve always considered myself a ragtag mutt in God’s kingdom. A grateful pooch, because wiser people clued me in… I am welcome in God’s family! There’s room at His great big table for ME.
I’ve got this mutt mentality going on. Sometimes I slobber when my excitement runs away, with me trying to rein it in. God has lovingly assured me it’s OKAY that I’m daffy. I provide hours of entertainment for Him and the angels when things are quiet in Heaven, some days.
Sometimes I quiver because seriously can I do this thing, can I be a follower of Christ and his mission? I know sometimes it’s just feeling inadequate, but man, I'm a head job. I'm not certifiable, I have been checked over by professionals, they assure me I fall within the scope of normal. I’m not always sure I believe them, but they’ve gone to school for these things, hopefully they should know.
So I come before God and I say, “Lord I don't know what part of me you can use but I'm here. I'm offering and if you’ll lead me, point out the person I'm supposed to minister to, I'll do it. I accept if you lead me to that person you're going to equip me to have what it is I need to carry out the mission.” The Bible backs me up on that.
16 Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another - showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God's way.
Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG
Makes me feel kind of like one of those adorable cartoon St Bernards who bound to the rescue with a keg of rum attached to their collar. I don’t have rum but I do have God’s message of hope. That lasts a whole lot longer than a keg of rum anyway!
Here’s a crazy thing He clued me in to some years back… my St Bernard self and that keg of God’s promises and leadings is needed at home before I go galloping off to save the world. I was so busy thinking the goal was to save the planet that I didn’t see my world starts at my front door. I had people and four footed creatures here hemorrhaging for love and attention. I was actually volunteering at an animal shelter (how noble) cleaning cat cages, but hadn’t scooped out my own kitty’s litter box in weeks. Yeah, I know. GROSS.
Did I hear a whisper, “Hey, Super Dog, they need you to be there for them too. It’s good to be My hands and feet for everyone you meet, but don’t forget those closest to you.” I have to admit, Susie St Bernard fell woefully short in that category. I think I told you in my previous blog, I snorted busyness on a regular basis. I saw an anagram once for BUSY:
B - Being
U - Under
S - Satan’s
Y - Yoke
True, dat. True, if I’m using busyness to not minister to those God first puts in my path.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 NIV
Save the world. Pop on your Underdog cape if you must and conquer injustices. Just don’t forget the little doggies, the kitties and your family at home.