Jupiter

On Wednesday night we discovered that Michael's pet gecko, Jupiter, had passed away.  We have buried dogs and flushed fish, but this death was significant.  As Michael's first pet of his own, he was understandably very upset to lose him.  And, of course, nothing brings out the tough life questions like the death of a pet.  As I struggled to explain many things I finally landed on this....that we don't know how long we'll have with the people or dogs or lizards or anything else in our lives.  None of us can know how or when the end will come for anyone.  So the best we can do is to take care of each other, the best we can, while we have the chance.

It isn't a complicated truth, to love one another.  We like to muddle it up pretty good, though.  Taking a position on this, having an opinion on that.  Time, energy, finances.  And believe me, I'm at the top of the excuse-making pyramid.  But several times in the last week or two I've heard someone talk about when you've been nudged to do something--like reach out with a phone call, deliver flowers, provide a meal--and put it off until you've talked yourself out of it.  I think perhaps God is whispering to me about this.  Take care of each other, He says. 

To love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your mind and with all your soul and with all your strength...and your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these.   

In the love and example of Christ, take care of each other indeed.  Those times we feel nudged to reach out to someone, but don't....that's all on us, putting the other commandments first.  Before and above all else, love God, love one another.  Only this, very simply, in whatever capacity you can manage.    

Michael did a great job taking care of Jupiter.  I believe he's in heaven now, the best of him alive and well with God.  And until we can see him again, may we do the best in love that we can, in His image here on earth. 

XOXO....Kelly