That Darn Cat

“Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands! Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the LORD, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” Psalm 100

The skinny 13-year-old orange feline woke me up again. This time it was 5:30am. Squawk, squawk, squawk, run all over the bed, and scratch the carpet until I creep out of bed, walk to the kitchen, turn on the light to feed the thing. Another chorus of squawk, “shh”, squawk, “shh”, squawk, “shh” until the food hits the floor. “Why do you squawk over and over again when you see that I am feeding you? Why do you want to be fed every 3-4 hours? Why don’t you eat what I give you? Why do you waste the food from last night?” I’m on a tirade for yet another morning. But then that Still Small Voice—

Why do you grumble, child? Don’t you remember? Do everything without complaining [grumbling] or arguing (Philippians 2:14).

He is my cat. Why won’t you feed him as working for Me, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from Me as a reward? It is Me you are serving (Colossians 3:23-24).

Child, why do you pray to Me and then squawk, squawk, squawk at Me while I am working all things together for good? Wait for Me (Romans 8:28; Psalm 27:14).

Child, why can’t you be content with what you have? For I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

And one more thing. I love you with an everlasting love. Continue to call on Me, and I will answer you (Jeremiah 31:3; Psalm 91:15).

Oh, Father in heaven, please forgive me. Thank You that You correct me, provide for me, and love me even when I am grumbling about the smallest of tasks again. Thank You for the reminder that everything is Yours and I am Your servant. Help me to love You back by living joyfully and thankfully in the grace and mercy that You have given to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.