A Yard Can Save Your Life, Part II

So once again I’m dealing with excruciating pain that no one in my medical network has been able to diagnose in the last seven years.

No diagnosis is one thing, but to offer no pain management is terrible. I believe in common sense and making decisions case by case.

After numerous visits to the medical professionals in the area, and another job loss due to pain, I’m unsure what’s next.

Meanwhile, when the pain dissipates, I take advantage of this amazing weather we’re having and till the soil again.

I plant my seeds for this season and scatter whatever I have on hand– loose boards & wire– to discourage the stray cats from digging.

I still put food out for them; they are really a mixed bunch of wild cats that make me smile when I can’t find much else to smile about sometimes.

This kind of giving also grows the spirit. That spiritual evolution I’ve mentioned before.

And it makes me think of something I read somewhere– ” having pity on a lesser creature is the heart of a king. “

I agree.

A mighty king cannot be ” mighty” without a heart. The head & the heart working together. Not just to conquer and devour all in its path, but to first attempt to build up & find solutions.

Which fits perfectly into my foundation of Law & Love– working together.

Although it is right to pity the creature, I must also consider consequences.

So far, the cats pretty much eat and run. They don’t hang around my area or porch all day. They do not invade my neighbor’s apartment, or his enjoyment of his apartment.

Unlike the marijuana problem I mentioned in my previous post Equal Justice.

In that case, having a heart and overlooking a good rule does not consider the neighbor’s legal rights. The right to enjoy a smoke- free apartment in a designated smoke- free area.

The heart says help; the head says okay–let’s bring options to the table.

I don’t see why this is so difficult.

This is why Amos 7:7-8 makes sense to me.

Where are all the wise ” kings”– leaders that intervene on behalf of the outnumbered, and weaker?

My own pain limits my efforts to help myself.

Pain is a game changer for anyone.

All the good intentions in the world may never get a real chance when Pain invades and hinders

But as long as I can, I will—

return again and again,

like the resurrection of Spring itself.

Amen.