In the fashion and entertainment world, many famous, infamous, and “wanna-be” famous individuals have strutted up and down catwalks, modeling the latest fashions and amazing audiences with their ability to appear in one full-fledged ensemble, disappear, and suddenly reappear with an entirely different look.
Sometimes, unfortunately, it’s not so much the ensemble that captures the audience’s attention but rather the emaciated appearance of the model who is parading before them. In fact, some of the models appear so frail it’s a miracle that they even complete the full length of the catwalk. Some may have entered the business healthy, fresh-faced and starry-eyed, only to become someone’s pet project, ending up physically, emotionally and spiritually a long way from home.
Not all of us may have had the opportunity to grace a catwalk, but many of us know what it’s like to boldly strut away from the path God has laid for us and stray off a long way from home. The good news is, no matter how far any of us have strutted or strayed, the Lord is always ready to lead and guide us back home. Here’s a “purrfect” story to illustrate my point.
I read an amazing article about a cat that walked 190 miles to find its way home. The cat had gotten away from its owners during an out of town trip, and the anguished family begrudgingly headed home with their beloved cat still lost somewhere at their vacation spot.
Unbeknownst to the family, after a 190-mile trek toward home, the cat made its way as far as a neighbor’s house where it was found in a weary and emaciated condition. It was a miracle that the cat’s walk led it almost the full length of the journey. Needless to say the owners were amazed that their beloved pet, which had earlier disappeared, had suddenly reappeared–albeit emaciated.
How did the cat make it home? We may never know for sure, but here’s what we do know:
The cat desired to go home.
The cat was guided by a non-human phenomenon.
The cat was determined to complete its journey.
So, what can we learn from this cat’s walk?
First, desire is a strong force. The Lord says that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart.
Secondly, when our desires line up with God’s desires, His Holy Spirit will lead us and guide us. He will show us the pathway of life. His Word will be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.
Lastly, once we begin a thing, we must be determined to see it through and go as far as our physical, emotional and spiritual strength will take us—and let God do the rest. The cat was determined to complete its journey, but actually fell short, only making it as far as a neighbor’s house. Thankfully, the neighbor was inspired to help the cat complete its journey and carried it home when it could not take another step.
Thank God that when we lose our way, we don’t even have to be able to make it all the way back home, we just have to want to make it, and simply start the journey. And, once we begin God will make sure that we complete it, because He that begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus! Now, that’s enough to make you want to strut on a little while longer!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen