The Taste…

The Taste…

There is a little drive-in that my husband and I have visited since we were high school sweethearts 45 years ago. The owners have changed throughout the years, but the soft serve ice cream has not. I like to go there for a milkshake, cone, cup, or sundae. The taste is sweet, but the reminder of days gone by is what brings me back time and again. (Oh, but I do love ice cream. My grandson and I share this passion for sweets.) This sweet girl has been at the drive-in the last couple of weeks. She has a favorite spot beside a little table with two chairs where one can sit and visit while you wait on your food or treats. As I watched her this time, I noticed that her paw is damaged, turned under, and her ear is chewed and healed with a split. She hobbles along with purpose intent on her business of finding the shade and comfortably settling into her spot under the table. She is unconcerned of any danger humans or vehicles can bring.

You see, this sweet girl represents an image of perseverance, determination, courage, and assurance. She has limits to her abilities, but continues with modifications. Now in education, and life, that is adapting or modifying and adjusting. I can almost see her strong determination when she walks, and I see her resolve as she puts her paw down and moves forward. No one has told her she can’t. No one has allowed her to be reliant on her limitations or use them as an excuse.

Now, stay with me. Yes, she is a cat. But animals of any kind can lay down or they can overcome. They can give up or they can get up. The difference in a Christian and a nonChristian is that we know who can lift us, carry us, and put His arms around to support us. We know who carries us. We know and acknowledge that it is not us, but He who is within us, that gives us this strength. It is by His grace that we have Hope through every limitation, physical or mental. Through every pothole or mountain, we have hope. Then, He will take us home. Isaiah 46:4, "Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you."