Lesson From Farm Cats

I am the one who feeds them every morning, and every evening. They know my voice, and usually run to me when I call them. They live in two small “houses” on our back patio that my Godson, Bennett, helped me pick out. They are sheltered well…until the temperatures drop dangerously low. When that happens, I bring them inside our garage. 

Late yesterday afternoon as the “wind chill warning” was in affect, I attempted to move them in the garage. Seven came in by me calling them. Two, I had to physically pick up and carry inside, one by one. One of the two did her best to try to weasel her way out of my arms. I’m thankful I had my thick winter gloves on to protect my hands from her claws. 

And one was left. She didn’t want to have anything to do with me. She ran from me. She hissed at me. I grabbed her once and she jumped out of my hands. Really?? I caught myself even saying to her, “I’m trying to help you! Why are you running away from me?” Like she could answer me! I guess that’s why my husband jokingly calls me “the cat whisperer.”

It was so unbelievably cold outside. I gave up and came in the house. But the thought of that cat being out there in that cold and wind weighed heavily on my heart. I went out and tried again, this time with food. Again, she ran from me. 

I let a couple hours pass, and I saw that my aunt posted on Facebook the picture of a cat left out in the cold and the effects of frostbite on this furry little guy. That was it. I put my coat, my gloves and boots back on and ventured out one more time.

I guess the cat must have gotten cold enough. I reached in the house, petted her, then grabbed her. She didn’t try to jump out of my hands this time. I can’t tell you how relieved I was to get her in that garage, and to have her be safe.

Coming back inside and taking off my winter gear, my thoughts went to, “I’m just like those cats.” The reality of how I behave with God at times is just like how our pets behaved with me.

There are times when I’m walking so closely with God. I know His voice. He calls me and I come running. I know God has what’s best for me, to keep me safe, protected and cared for, and by obeying His call, I know I’ll be secure in His arms.

There are other times when I’m safely tucked in God’s arms. Out of ignorance, or self-will, or wanting my own way, I’ll weasel my way out. That’s a scary place to be. When I’m out of His will, I’m not as protected and safe.

And there are still other times I run from God. Out of fear, out of ignorance, stubbornness, out of wanting my own way. I’ve learned from those past times, and I’ve suffered in “the cold” from being disobedient. Does God ever say to me, “Why are you running away from me? I’m trying to help you!” Thankfully, those times of running don’t happen as often as they used to. God has been so faithful and compassionate to me time and time again. I don’t ever want to be left out in the cold.

I imagine God is relieved and pleased when I choose to stay where He wants me to be…safe in His arms, like I was last night with our cats safe inside our garage. I slept soundly, knowing they were safe and warm. 🙂