TGIF
I’d almost given up on Smokey.
He just didn’t seem to want to have all that I could provide for him…as is often the case with strays, someone had done him really wrong and he wasn’t going to trust again.
He would come and eat…but he wouldn’t stay.
I was worried….the weather has turned cold and wet and cats need shelter too.
Everything a cat could want or need was his…but he preferred the safety of self reliance to the risk of trust.
It was raining hard that night and I laid in bed worried about him…the door left open a crack in case he or another wet feline soul wanted cover.
I heard the door open a crack more and felt something land on the end of the bed.
It was the Big Smoke and he curled up down there for the night.
This went on for a few more nights…he’d slip in, jump on the end of the bed, and sleep as if no one had noticed him there.
Then, one night… he snuck in…but walked to the top of the bed.
He wanted attention.
He never wants attention.
This transformed into a routine…he’d come in, walk up to the top, and wait to be petted.
He discovered that he loves to be petted.
Then he moved in.
These days he’s inside more than out.
He likes to nap under my night stand, then about 9:00 (my bedtime) he jumps on the bed and stares at me until I join him.
He gets his pets and then settles down next to my head to sleep.
He is a happy, healthy cat with a home of his own and a friend who loves him.
Why am I telling you this story?
Because a lot of you are like Smokey.
Smokey’s big problem was that he didn’t understand that he was loved before he ever walked in the door.
I’ve never met a cat I didn’t love.
Any cat that shows up gets all I have…and sometimes I go out and find them before they show up.
I’ve never turned away a cat…even ones that don’t behave well.
I grieve when I know that I could help one if it would only let me.
My friend, our God feels the same way about you…except infinitely more.
He loves you and seeks to be your shelter from this broken world.
He’s always loved you and there is nothing you can do or say to change that.
He waits…and will be there when you decide to come home.
You do have a home, my friend.
Slip in and stay for a while…
Make your own application…
Wonderful analogy! ! !
The difference between religion(what we delude ourselves with) and a waiting relationship with our creator!
Michael,
Thank you for the good word. We are in the midst of moving my confused dad to assisted living (with his wife, who has been in a skilled nursing for three months after a stroke). My relationship with my dad has always been a bit up and down (let’s just say three marriages marred by domestic violence). But, I’ve tried to understand and grown to love him as I do share some characteristics with him. Now, he needs me and calls frequently to uravel his confusion. I will be glad when the transition is over and I can see him in his own safe place. We’ll be ablel to talk, play scrabble, and talk about old cars.
Linn,
I pray it goes well and he settles in with peace…
Michael, I’m so happy to read this – I kept wanting to ask how he was doing, but was afraid I might be touching a sore point….
So glad he came home to stay, and that you have another companion!
Owen,
He’s still not exactly an emotional support cat, but then, neither am I. 🙂
Maybe we’ll get better together…
Michael,
Cats know their people. The kitty I have now I never imagined, after three weeks under the bed and three months behind the toilet in the guest bathroom. But, she is now on the bed, on the kitchen counter (looking for snacks), in my lap, and slaps me if I miss her “let’s play” cue. She has turned out to be an absolutely fabulous kitty companion. I would have been okay if she remained in the bathroom, but she has proven to be much more. Love and patience usually work with kitties.
Like.
Thank you.
Love this. And…. incidentally sorry to read the thread about your mom’s cat.
We’ve moved recently and three of my four pampered cats stay inside. Rocky Brown, however, is constantly in and out, in and out.. RockyBrown found a local ‘friend’…. whom we have named Vicki. Visitor Kitty. Vicki reminds me of those who have heard the Gospel and been blessed by all that God gives, but refuses to come inside.
Vicki is on the doormat twice daily. Gobbles food and treats, loves pets and conversation, but refuses to come inside. She will look in the glass door at our life inside for hours. She sees the other cats, who are not afraid of her. RockyBrown is her ‘friend’. He walks right by Vicki without a hiss.
I keep telling Vicki that life inside is heavenly. But she won’t take me up on it. Yet.
I don’t know, Michael, I think he’s supporting you by his presence. Don’t try and tell me you’re not benefitting from it…. 😉