Cats
We have three cats. Two are about 12 years old and one is a year old. All three are indoor-only cats.
Most of the time, I am the cat’s primary caregiver in that I feed them, give them fresh water and change their litter boxes. Because of this, and because I am a cat person by nature, the cats all like me.
At night, the cats have some kind of pecking order to decide who sleeps on the bed with us and who sleeps in another room (it seems to vary by day and time block). After we get up in the morning and feed them, they return to our bed to sleep. A lot of the time, all three of them will be sprawled on our bed for a good chunk of the day.
Since I’m retired, I usually wait to shower until after I make breakfast and do a few chores. By the time I get out of the shower, the three amigos are usually on the bed, either asleep or close to it. I usually sit on the edge of the bed to put on my socks.
I’ve noticed our two older cats never worry I might sit on them. I can sit right next to one of them and they won’t even open their eyes. The kitten, on the other hand, could be lying on the opposite side of the bed and, when I sat down, would either jump off or get up ready to jump.
Recently, though, I’ve noticed our kitten has started staying put when I sit down. In other words, based on her experience with me, she is starting to trust that this big ol' guy will not sit down and squish her.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” - Proverbs 3:1-7 ESV
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” - Philippians 4:4-9
If our cats can learn to trust me explicitly, I should be able to trust God explicitly. That is my lesson today.
