Being Responsible

Of course you want to know how the kitten is growing. I know you do.

Yes, that's the Captain, playing in a plastic grocery bag. I heard the ruckus, turned around, and there he was - IN THE BAG. OOPS.

He's getting bigger. And faster. Possibly even more curious.

Responsible cat owners do not let their pets play with plastic bags, or climb trees (because they are not supposed to be outside). It's true, I'm letting the cat have more freedom than some owners would. Or some may say that I'm just irresponsible.

However, my cats do not have neighbors to bother and their quality of life is enhanced by exploring the great outdoors. There's a risk of them crossing the road, but if they were indoors, the risk would be they would be obese and bored, fighting with each other.

How do we determine who is responsible? What does it look like? Is it always the same?

Opinions abound. Imagine this conversation applied to child rearing. Ugh! Then politics! Oh no!

Different perspectives can cause tension, heartache, and discord that causes major chasms in relationships.

Perhaps that is what is truly irresponsible.

It's important to respect where another person is coming from and the particulars that go into their decisions and opinions. Granted, there are extremes and there are deal breakers. Mostly, though, there should be respect.

God, who is the Author of all Truth, has a perspective that is beyond our comprehension. I, for one, am glad that Someone is in charge of this mess. There is a plan, a design, and we are part of it. We can look at our world as a whole and shrug our shoulders, thinking that it is chaos, not unlike the underside of needlework picture. Flip it over and there's something beautiful and orderly.

Not only does the Omnipotent God of the Universe knit together the intricate workings of the world, He is able to come alongside each one of us, longing to be a part of our individual lives. He knows when we are under the plastic bag and up a tree. He's right there, waiting for us to reach out. He is mighty to save and His arms are not too short.