Simone The Star

Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.

“I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE you are doing this,” Nancy said with a laugh as her sister, Louise, and her friend, Judy, pulled an artificial tree from its box. “It’s not even Halloween yet.”

Simone, Nancy’s Siamese cat, fled from the room as the tree emerged.

“Yes, but you love Christmas, and we love you!” Judy declared, holding the bottom third of the tree as if it were Moses’ staff.

Nancy’s throat began to constrict from emotion. She rubbed the site of her latest chemo injection, grateful the nausea hadn’t hit in full force and yet dismayed she was having to endure the healing poison again.

Thinking about the road ahead made her feel tired. She had mentioned that to Judy several days ago.

“With this new chemo schedule, I’m scared I’m not going to feel good enough to decorate for Christmas this year,” she had shared over the phone.

Judy understood her friend’s love of all things Christmas. However, Nancy could never have imagined that a few days later her friend would show up on her doorstep like a Christmas sugar plum fairy and declare it decorating day. Louise, who had recently come for a visit, joined right in. And within a few hours, Nancy’s house looked like the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie.

Nancy smiled at her friend and her sister, grateful for their kindness..

“Okay, come on, my little elves,” Nancy joked. “You need a coffee break.”

Leaving the top section of the tree to attach later, the women headed for the kitchen, passing Simone on the way. The playful cat made a beeline for the living room.

“So, how will she do with all the decorations?” Judy asked.

“She’s a stinker,” Nancy said with a chuckle. “Every Christmas she acts like I put all that stuff up just for her to play with.”

The women chatted as they sipped steaming coffee. To Nancy it all felt so normal. So familiar. So . . . healing.

“All right, troops,” Judy declared, “that tree is not going to decorate itself. Time to finish the job and stick a star on top!”

As the women walked back into the living room, they came to an abrupt halt, then broke into laughter.

Lying atop the tree—like the Christmas star—was Simone.

“Well,” Louise said, “guess you don’t need to put the top section on. Clearly, Simone has found the perfect napping spot.”

Nancy rolled her eyes. Her kitty’s antics never ceased to entertain her.

“Simone, get down!” Nancy commanded, sounding far more amused than stern.

Simone was annoyed at being disturbed. She took her time getting up, stretching and arching her back. Then with a flick of her tail she jumped from her perch and curled up on the tree skirt below.

“From being a star to being a present,” Judy said, smiling.

The ladies attached the top section of the tree, filled each branch with ornaments, and secured the star. They then stood back to admire their work.

“It’s perfect,” Nancy whispered. “I cannot thank you enough.”

It was a precious—almost sacred—moment. A moment Nancy would cherish during the difficult days ahead.

Judy looked closer at the tree.

“Is that . . .” she started, pointing at two blue eyes peeking out from the middle of the tree.

“Simone!” Nancy yelled. “Get out of that tree!”

PAWS & PONDER . . .

While Simone sought a place of honor in the tree, Nancy was honored by her friend’s selfless act of kindness. How can you honor someone today?

Paws & Pray

Lord, I admit that I often want to be the star of the show, rather than following your humble example of servanthood. Jesus, you loved me so much that you left your rightful place in heaven seated next to God and came to earth to die for me. Remind me of that truth whenever I start acting like I deserve to be in the spotlight more than anyone else. I want to be a servant and show kindness to others in your name.