New Kitten
We, ok, I got a new kitten over a month ago. We have two other cats that are about 11 years old. I thought it would be good for them to interact with a much younger cat.
Like all introductions of a new pet, the initial weeks have been awkward. The two existing cats looked at the new kitten with disdain. I honestly think they expected the kitten to be here for a few days or a week and then leave. For the most part, they hid in our bedroom.
The kitten, on the other hand, was trying to figure out her new surroundings and the important stuff like where and when the food is put out. At first, she was a little cautious about going too far from us, instinctually knowing that we’d save her from one of the big cats.
At the time I’m writing this, she’s been here about a month. She’s gotten much more comfortable and our pre-existing cats have come to realize the situation is not temporary. I’ve even caught them playing from time to time. She weighs about 4 lbs. and our existing cats weigh about 14 lbs. each, so her fear initially was warranted.
The fun part, though, is watching this kitten run as fast as she can from one end of our house to the other for reasons only she knows. She will do this for a while and then collapse. If I’m in my chair, there is a good chance she’ll collapse on my lap; otherwise, she’s picked a spot on the top of our couch that she likes. That spot on top of our couch is where our little dog will lie when it is cold and we have left the house. From there, he can watch for us to get home. It will be interesting to see who ultimately gets that spot.
“You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump. I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.” - Galatians 5:7-15 ESV
As much as we dislike change, change is inevitable. It doesn’t matter how many times I wish for a world more like my youth and less like today, I doubt it will revert. Every time I think about all the positive progress and capability we’ve made as a society, I must stop and consider what this progress has cost us.
I encourage you to stop and introduce a new kitten into your faith-walk. You might be pleasantly surprised at your growth.
