I heard a cat's purring described once as whatever is going on right now I don't want it to stop. Every morning as I sit down to write, Mr. Man, Andrew's cat, comes and sits on my lap. As I rub his chin, and his eyes roll back in his head, the motor starts running, the feet start pumping, and he sits here in bliss-until he almost falls off. Purring at full throttle! This will go on for a few minutes, then just as suddenly he will jump off and run. His whatever is happening right now purr is fulfilled, and it is off to other activities such as food, and then going out to check on the night's events. But the purring sometimes is so loud you wonder if anyone can be that satisfied. And he is only a cat. I wonder about myself sometimes, and what makes me purr. Do other people here it? Can I hear them purring? So here are some things that at least get my motor running-purring as the purist would say.
I am blessed to ride bikes for Triumph's press fleet. I picked up my 22nd new bike this year, a Tiger 800 XC. For the 22nd time this year, I will ride a bike with zero miles, and take it back to get another. New bikes. And for me the excitement of riding a new bike out of the shop is still as much fun as the first one was years ago. Spoiled and blessed by God, who knows my passion my motorcycles, and gives me more than I could have ever thought to ask for. You're right-it isn't fair. But God's love is, take it up with Him.
Travelling with my wife makes both of us purr. Riding and touring is fun and in our blood, but it is not complete unless you ride with your best friend. God knows this and has given me Theresa. For 30 days this year, 8800 miles, and 21 states, and over 6000 pictures she has taken, we purred along through high heat, wind, and rain. Together. And even without the ride, just having her as my wife causes me to purr. Again, more than I could ever ask for or imagine God has given. I hope you can make your wife purr, too.
Both my sons cause me to purr, more than they would imagine. For it is not in their accomplishments I purr. Or in their times of joy. It is in the times that I remember they are my sons, and no matter what trouble they may be in-I love them, and I am proud of them. Years ago when Andrew was in trouble, a well meaning but off base man asked me if I wanted to strangle him for the trouble he was in. NO-I wanted to hug him and let him know how much I loved him. Love isn't based on situations, but relationships. Mine is based on Jesus, how could I help but love the sons He has given me. That noise you hear now is a gentle purr when I remember it. And we can all use more hugs from Jesus than rules from religion.
I start to purr when I think of the church God has let us be part of. We have grown so much this year, and in ways I can't imagine. There is nothing that can replace Jesus in your heart-even in tough times this year, I still purr when I think of Him.
My friend Alex, 93 going on eternity makes me purr. He just wants to be with Jesus. And as I visited him his lips were dry, and I swabbed them with water, giving him a little on his tongue, as he can't swallow. The joy on his face was like a loud purr-and I was reminded of the living water Jesus offers. His firm grip on my hand said thanks no words could offer. How I wish to drink that water, to have it in person, just like Alex will soon. Such a simple thing as water to his lips reminded me of that. It was much more to Alex.
Stu makes me purr as we ride together. He also makes Clemenza bark when she hears his Wing pull up. Purring to her. I don't have many friends, so having one who loves the Lord, and rides is a blessing. We all should be so blessed.
My friend Dooley blesses me from jail. Serving job under circumstances I could never survive in, his letters make me purr. Touching the heart of a fellow prisoners speaks highly of Jesus ministering to those imprisoned-without hope. And if this encourages a guard who reads this, come to Jesus. Let's purr together.
A loud purr for all of those who serve God. For our pastors who have given up so much, and get so little back. To those I ride with, my purr is louder than your exhaust! To those I minister with, what a blessing to purr with you. As times get shorter, there is much to do. Incredibly God has called us to be part of it. That should make us purr., I am sure it does Him.
God has blessed me with great parents. As they get older, it is tougher raising them, and I fall back on a statement my father once told me. "You will always be my son, and I will always be your father." How many of us can rest in that? But it is my mother who makes me purr even more.
I guess it is the things closest to my heart that makes me purr. Not so much based on situations, but based on Jesus in my life. He makes me the person I am, and has shown me so much love and mercy, that I don't know how we could ever make it without His grace. So I will go on being thankful for it.
Although the calendar says 16 days until Christmas-15 more for those with money, let this be my Christmas card to you. Remember the babe in a a manger, sent from a loving God. Pure, holy, meek and mild. God's pure light! What a proud papa He must have been that night! All heaven rejoiced-an eternal purr based on love. Just like when we come to Christ ourselves-being Born Again. That should make us purr today. His eternal love. So wherever you are, take the time to wish someone a Merry Christmas. Open you house, your purse, and your heart. Be part of the celebration that God shared that night. Joy to the world! A savior is born! And don't stop after Christmas. Rejoice in Him every day! Soon and very soon we will be going to see the king! Longing to hear the words "well done my good and faithful servant."
Let the purring begin!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com