Belly Up

All day long a lovely little hummingbird flits back forth from a simple feeder filled with sugar water. I can see him from where work at my desk—and every time I do, I smile.

I was studying a book on spiritual disciplines this summer with some women from my church, and one of the topics was hospitality. The author encouraged us to see this ministry not as a way to showcase our great entertaining skills, but to make others feel welcome and safe. He suggested that if welcoming people was too hard, to give it a try with animals.

I laughed at first—but then I thought of my hummingbird friend. And my cat. And all the animals I have welcomed to my home over the years. Providing for their needs does nothing to fill my ego; rather, seeing them lounge in my good will fills my heart with joy. I like making creatures feel happy and safe. (You should see my cat sleep—sprawled out on his back with his neck exposed, not a care in the world.)

I want to be that kind of person with humans too. Whether in my home or at church or in the grocery story or on twitter, I want to make people feel happy and to know they are safe. When they're with me, I want them to know they belong.

Why? Because that's what God does for me. You think my cat looks crazy with his belly exposed? That's what I look like in God's presence. There's no better place to be.