Stray Cats and Old Dogs

Those who turn others to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3

My tough 17year old son has a big heart. All six foot of him can't say no when the need comes from a friend. He keeps bringing in friends that are in crisis at home. We have seen it way too much. The world is filled with broken homes and broken kids. First it was Joey and the conversation went like this: "Dad, can Joey stay at our house for a while? John, I don't even know a Joey. Dad trust me he is a good kid. For the past three days he has been sleeping in his car because he can't get along with his step-mom. So Joey stayed for three weeks until he could get things worked out at home. He was an A student and had paid for three of his own cars.

You gotta love a boy like my son. Like a stray cat I never know from one day to the next who is going to be here. They come up to my kitchen counter just like clock work after a long day. I am armed with my super sized Fry Daddy ready at the drop of a hat to make them chicken wings.

We talk and laugh and as I look into their eyes I know there is a hunger much deeper and greater than for food. I know they need spiritual food. Daily I drop my comments at their feet and they know I am about Christ. Often they see me reading my Bible and writing songs for Jesus.

Ashly came for a month slinging her guitar and the country western songs she wrote about love.
She filled this house with laughter even though she was hurting on the inside. It was as if God knew we needed to lighten up a bit. As she shared her songs about life I shared my Jesus songs and seeds were planted and well received. This old dog was being used for Christ.

As the door swings open and a new face invades my privacy I just have to trust that there is a reason for them crashing on our floor. I have to believe that there is a plan ordained by God for my life to rub up against there's.

It can't be because of what I have. I drive a 1997 beat up car that desperately needs a paint job. The bedrooms are not finished downstairs and they have to crash on a mattress on the floor. But they just don't seem to care.

Could it be that they have found an adult that will accept them for who they are? Could it be that they have found someone that will listen to their mistakes and love them through it. With nothing to give but a smile and a open door they are here. Children these days are hungry for our love and our attention. Even though they don't see a welcome mat at the front door they know they are welcome anytime.

All I know is in what ever terms God brings them I want to be a witness. Being single again allows me certain opportunities that I did not have when I was married. Last night we had a water balloon fight inside the house. As 20 teens gathered and the noise swelled one of them shouted " How can you stand the noise?" I looked at her and said , "what noise I just here the laughter. "

I want to show them the unconditional agape love that comes from Christ. Total acceptance Lord? Unconditional love Lord? Even with the stray cats Lord? O.K Lord, this old dog will be available to do what You want. Not knowing the why but always ready to plant a seed. Ready at all times to discuss the Gospel with all ages, all colors, always and all ways.

I want to be a star
but not in the worldly sense.
I want to point others to the cross
to know His presence.

I want to be a star
but I don't want the fame.
I want my light to shine so bright
that it will put Satan to shame.

And if I am a star
then others will surely see
the great and glorious Lord
that resides in you and me.

And if I am that star
God's grace will light the way
to draw others to the cross
in all that I do and say.

Brad McGill
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