Pastor Annette's Blog
"OF ALL THE THINGS GOD HAS SHOWN ME, I CAN SPEAK BUT A LITTLE WORD NOT MORE THAN A HONEYBEE CAN CARRY AWAY ON ITS FOOT FROM AN OVERFLOWING JAR."
~ MECHTHILD OF MAGDEBURG, 13TH CENTURY MYSTIC |
"OF ALL THE THINGS GOD HAS SHOWN ME, I CAN SPEAK BUT A LITTLE WORD NOT MORE THAN A HONEYBEE CAN CARRY AWAY ON ITS FOOT FROM AN OVERFLOWING JAR."
~ MECHTHILD OF MAGDEBURG, 13TH CENTURY MYSTIC |
December 17, 2019 Beloved: We say things like “He’s settling in” and “He’s getting used to the dogs.” In fact, it is we who are adjusting to the multitude of rules involved in living with Otto. Here he is sitting close to me on the arm of my chair. The rules as I know them so far:
All relationships have them, of course — boundaries. The edges beyond which our togetherness is uncomfortable or inappropriate. Some boundaries are well established and function as any other social mores. Some are written down and given official status, codes of conduct for example. While other boundaries are more complicated to decode, not unlike Otto and me. We listen to the words and cues of others and act accordingly. Speaking plainly about what is and is not okay doesn’t always work. I spray Otto with water when he jumps onto my kitchen counter, but clear, kindly spoken words seem more appropriate with people. So is respecting the boundaries they set for themselves: physical, emotional, and otherwise. In chosen relationships like friendship, romance, and roommates, walking away because one’s own boundaries are consistently disrespected is a form a self-care for which one need not apologize. In unchosen relationships like immediate family and coworkers, enforcing one’s own boundaries takes extra effort and not a little self-grace.
As I finished writing, my daughter Emy wandered downstairs to say that Otto has slept on her chest almost all night, purring like her own personal bedwarmer. So much for Rule #3, I suppose. Then again, Otto’s boundaries are just that — Otto’s. Whom he cuddles is not mine to say. And who knows? Last week he hardly came out from under the bed. This week he sat beside me on my chair. Maybe next week we will be even better friends. There is always, always hope. ~peace, prayers & merry christmas, friends! pastor annette
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I write a Tuesday morning devotional to members and friends of UBC. It is also posted here.
Enjoy! Pastor Annette Copyright
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