Ours is a world where too many folks are experts in religious matters, but where are they in matters of belief? Aren’t the gospel parables addressed to religious people in the hope that their passion for their ideas of religion will lead to a passion for God and others? Over and over the message in the parables is action, not exclusive action, but inclusive action; action typified by acts of kindness, mercy, compassion.
Rupe lives here, in this retreat like home that sits high over the Newberg valley. He is a golden retriever who only wants to be loved. He defines love simply: feed me, pay attention to me and throw tennis balls in the back yard with me. In return he lies at my feet and stares at me with those big brown eyes. I know as soon as his owners return I will be forgotten, but right now I’m enjoying being the object of his affection.
I know chasing tennis balls is his favorite sport because so far we’ve found eleven more tennis balls between the leaves and fallen walnuts. Is that a little extravagant? Is he spoiled? You wouldn’t think so if you saw his diet. We have strict instructions what he can eat. If I was on his diet I would surely drop fifty pounds. Out of respect we adhere to his diet, even though I’d love to give him more.
Unlike their guinea pig and rabbit, Rupe’s world does not revolve around eating and playing, much as he enjoys both. His world revolves around the people who love him.
There is a simple message here, so simple it is probably lost on most folks, but just before we die I think we’ll understand Rupe’s world much better. Our accomplishments, toys and maybe even our religious beliefs will matter little. I imagine what will be on my heart is what God has been putting on my heart this past couple of years; those people I’ve hurt and those people I love.
When death calls my name I think I will be more concerned about the people I leave behind, then whatever death brings me. The whatever is a whoever, and the whoever is the God who made the people I love. The God who made my Lily and my family and even Rupe is a God to love, not a God to fear.
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