Ted and I have been busy getting ready.  An old member of the family is moving back in with us.  We are really going to have to adjust to this change in our lives.  Just when we finally have an empty nest after moving Amanda into her own place last November, we shall have a new resident.

(sigh)

Last time this individual was here, he actually had the nerve to whine every morning when breakfast wasn’t ready on time.

One night, I was awakened by the sound of an oil lamp crashing to the floor.  He didn’t mean to knock it off the top of the computer desk.  What was he doing up so late anyways?

His grooming habits were pretty good, but he always left hair in the sink.  (gross)

One time when I was washing Amanda’s hair, he actually reached out and helped scrub!  Yeah, but only one time – he could have been more helpful.

There were several times he would sit on the edge of the bath tub and stare at me through the shower curtain while I showered.  Creepy, huh?

After a two year stint in Portland, Oregon, Skipper the cat will be back in the house with us.  Ted and I are cat-proofing the place!  With an appetite for ear buds and elastic hair ties, we are clearing out and loading up drawers with his favorite chewies.  I do not want to be chasing him down when he goes into thief mode and runs off with said objects.  Nor will I let him have those objects.  Last time a swallowed elastic hair band landed him in the ho$pital.  Not this time!  And there is just too much he could get into in the basement, so that will be off limits, too.

But in all honesty, there are things I look forward to with Skipper’s return.  For one, there is nothing more relaxing that a purring cat in your lap.  I also love it when he sits on the back porch and intently follows a bird or rabbit in the yard with his eyes.  He is fascinating to watch.  He is also quite the character, as cats go, and you can be sure his antics will end up as blog material!

The naughty, yet lovable cat has strayed and is now coming home … well to my home any way.  It reminds me of the story of the prodigal son.  That young whipper snapper left home and was a naughty boy for a while.  But, he came crawling back to daddy and was welcomed with open arms.  It’s a good message for all of us.  We can sin and stray from God, but He always welcomes us home with open arms.

Luke 15:20b-24 But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.  The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.”  “But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.  Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.  For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”  So they began to celebrate.

Sorry Skipper, but there will not be a party for you.  You can probably count on some cat treats, though.

But when WE stray from God, I am sure there is a celebration every time a lost soul finds their way back home.  God’s arms are always open and the door is too.

Welcome home Skipper!

Just Laurel