The Art of Holding Loosely

Tank. A befitting name for the tomcat that sought shelter in our empty donkey barn one sub-zero morning. Beefy body, thick jowls and neck, claws sharp as daggers, partially-healed battle wounds—this studly war machine steamrolled his way into our lives. But short-haired felines, no matter how tough, are no match for a week-long stretch of bitter cold, even when hunkered down in weathered wood shavings. My heart went out to him. How could I not take him in?

Tank was one of a kind. This wildlife and racoon slayer of the most gruesome, flesh-eating kind (which explains his chronic diarrhea), seemed quite content to set up camp in our garage, venturing in and out at will. For two weeks, the little quasi royalty had it made, with us his accommodating servants. He dominated our attention, commanded our respect, demanded our companionship. Captured our affections. Turns out, he had quite the soft spot for humans and belly rubs.

We truly didn’t need another cat, didn’t want another cat, especially since our indoor cat’s only safety barrier from the likes of Tank was the saggy nylon mesh on our screened-in porch. But in response to my many pleas for wisdom as to what in the world to do with him, the Lord kept saying, every beast of the forest is Mine . . . the creatures of the field are Mine . . . all the world is Mine . . . [i]

His, yes. But by all appearances, the little scrapper figured he was here for the long haul. I was so conflicted.

A few hundred dollars in vet bills later, after wound tending, and deworming, and ear mite eradication, and vaccinations, and bloodwork before neutering, our testosterone-driven Romeo disappeared. Vanished into thin air, leaving us but a full litter box to remember him by.

Despite God’s claim of ownership, I set out in search of him. I prayed for his return, pined for him, scolded myself for falling for him. Gained wisdom as a result of him . . .

God’s wondrous creation, with its complexities, its grandeur and beauty, its unpredictable wildness and severity, is a reflection of Him. [ii] He so graciously and richly provides it for us to enjoy. [iii] It deserves our respect, requires our interaction, draws from our energies, captures our affections. [iv]

But sometimes I forget that this same creation—as it is now—is also fleeting because of the stain of sin. In a very short time, heaven and earth will be changed and pass away. Everything temporal—that has vied for our full engagement—will be replaced with that which is eternal. [v]

For that reason, we need to hold the pleasures and concerns of this present world loosely (particularly tomcats on the prowl!). Otherwise, they become distractions that dominate, demand, and consume us. We need to keep our guard up, so they don't devour our time, exhaust our energies, obliterate our peace and joy, and even steal our devotion to Christ.

In whatever life situation or condition God entrusts us with, let’s hold it loosely. Let’s hold our weeping and our rejoicing loosely so they don’t overcome us. Let’s invest as though we didn’t really possess. Let’s deal with this world as though we were tending it for someone else . . . because we are. And whatever comes our way, let’s use it with eternal purposes in mind because those are what will last. [vi]    

But You, LORD, are enthroned forever; your fame endures to all generations. [vii]

And the word of the Lord endures forever. [viii]

And he who does the will of God abides forever. [ix]

God had been schooling me in the art of holding loosely the things of this world. Had I taken His words to heart, I could’ve saved myself much suffering at the hands (paws) of that little rascal, Tank. The appointed time of Christ’s return is nearer now than when we first believed. Let’s live for the praise of His glory. [x] 

Photo by Valentin Antonucci

[i] Psalm 50:10; Psalm 24:1

[ii] Psalm 102:25; Deuteronomy 10:14; Hebrews 1:10

[iii] 1 Timothy 6:17; James 1:17

[iv] Romans 1:19–20, 23

[v] Revelation 21:1; Mark 13:31; Revelation 21:5

[vi] Matthew 6:19–21; 1 Corinthians 7:31; Hebrews 1:10–12; Psalm 102:25–26; Isaiah 34:4

[vii] Psalm 102:12, 27 CSB; Hebrews 1:12; Psalm 136

[viii] 1 Peter 1:24–25 NASB, ASV

[ix] 1 John 2:17;

[x] Romans 13:11–12; Luke 21:27–28; Ephesians 1:12