As with anyone suffering from an addiction, healing begins with an acceptance of reality. So here it is for all to hear, I am addicted to cats; I AM that old cat lady of story and song. My kitty-compulsion began years ago, when a thin, injured tuxedo kitten was abandoned in my front yard. I was immediately smitten, the cat was mine, and I have been an unabashed feline fancier ever since, much to my husband’s dismay. My current brood consists of four outside kitties, still partially feral, but well-fed, loved, and protected. They follow me to the clothes line, stand guard while I sit on the deck, and protect me from mice, rodents, and any wild turkeys running amok. But one of those cats, sadly, is on my naughty, not nice, list.
Spooky is a beautiful cat, his coloring, gorgeous, hands down the prettiest cat in the litter, but he is, unfortunately, the epitome of meanness, seemingly oblivious to any attempt on my part to win him over. He cannot be trusted, as evidenced by his tendency to attack his fellow litter-mates AND his human caretakers randomly, with little warning. He has an obsession with my toes, thinking of them as some type of soft, warm, kitty chew toy, an appendage added to my body simply for his evil enjoyment. So obvious is his reign of terror that my children refer to him by a name worthy of his reputation and facial coloring (he has a little mustache). He is Hitler Kitty. And although I could never harm him or neglect him, and I will care for him faithfully and lovingly, when he is finally gone from this world, he sadly will not be terribly missed.
Such was the fate of an evil king of Judah. In spite of being blessed with a godly father and grandfather, his reign was “…evil in the eyes of the LORD.” He promoted idolatry and “…caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication.” He compelled his subjects to forsake their God. And as a cap to his wickedness, he slew all his brethren, the royal seed, his own brothers, to solidify his power. He killed his own family to secure his reign! Unspeakable evil. To understate, God was NOT pleased with this man placed in authority over God’s chosen people. King Jehoram received the judgment warranted by his lifestyle, his body was wracked by an incurable disease sent as punishment and judgment from God. And even though he died at a young age, the saddest commentary on his life was the obituary that followed. He “…departed without being desired.” What a dark legacy. He was hated while he lived, neglected when he died (“and his people made no burning for him”), loathed by the people he had corrupted and oppressed. And as the ultimate humiliation, he would not have the honor of be buried in the kings’ sepulcher.
As I ponder those who have crossed my path and have passed on, those precious ones who have exemplified Christ-like lives, displayed His character, and impacted my life for good are the memories that remain the dearest, the lives most missed. Live a life that honors God. Draw others to the Father through a testimony that is clean and honorable. Strive to be that believer who exemplifies the Savior by the love, care, and concern you lavish on others. Allow the light of God to radiate from you, always looking for opportunities in a dark world to be that light that brightens another’s day. Through God’s power and guidance, be the type of person who leaves a precious footprint, a godly impact, and who will be deeply missed.
II Chronicles 21:20 Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign…and departed without being desired.
God, please give my a life that honors You. Help me to be a conduit of Your love and compassion to those around me. Help me to make this world a better place because Your love has shown through me.