Okay, so maybe not a real pet, but I’ve noticed that my pet- we’ll call him Peavey” likes to wag his butt every now and then. I’m realizing that I am super particular about some things. I find it very difficult to use something, and not put it back as soon as I’m finished with it. I’ve started cooking a lot more, and my paranoia with having a mess actually causes me to take longer. I’ll use a utensil for an ingredient, but after using it, immediately try to wash it off and put it in the dishwasher before I move on to my next ingredient. I can’t stand to have things just on the counter. If I spill some shredded cheese on the counter when making nachos, most likely, I will try to wipe it up and clean the counter even before I put the nachos into the microwave. Everything has a place, and needs to be there. I like to use the kitchen and my house, but would prefer that it never appeared that way!
I remodeled a few homes with my dad in the past, and was consistently putting tools and supplies away before we were even finished with them. Every tool had a place, and it needed to appear that hadn’t used it. Plus, it’s always frustrating to try to find something when it isn’t where it’s “supposed” to be. Just like my phone, wallet or keys. It has a place. Order. I like it.
A few days ago I forced myself not to clean up until after preparing a meal. I am forcing myself to not worry about perfection. Now, that doesn’t mean that I’m going to just let everything go, but this pet of mine needs to be reminded that he is a pet. Not the owner.
I was going to relate this to my relationship with Jesus, because it totally applies, but to be honest, I’m sure you can draw from your own life experiences and realize how sometimes our lives seem so out of line with Jesus. It’s just refreshing sometimes to reflect on the nature of God, the person of Jesus and the consistent love of his Spirit. Do you have any pets like Peavey that keep you from enjoying life?