Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Expect (07/11/13)
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TITLE: Lessons From Miss Kitty | Previous Challenge Entry
By Richard Hicks
07/15/13 -
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In particular I have always had a love for cats. In fact, I can’t ever remember a time when I didn’t have a cat as a pet. Many cats have come and gone throughout my adult life. But the one that stands out most is Miss Kitty. I call her a ‘Sylvester cat,’ like the cartoon; all black and with a ribbon of white on her belly.
I adopted her from the animal shelter back in 2005. The volunteers were hesitant because she was feral. I was unaware of what that meant, and didn’t think to ask. They told me to have her spayed in about a month.
When I first brought her home in a box, she jumped out, ran and hid. Miss Kitty was so unfamiliar with being domesticated that she was in hiding practically 24/7. I left her food and water out, and a litter box nearby so that she would at least eat and do her “business” when I was not at home. This process was a lesson in patience for me. It took her a little over a month to finally trust me enough to come out of hiding when I was home. Our relationship eventually grew into a mutually loving and trusting one.
Then I moved to a house that had a laundry room with an outside door. One day I left it open and well, you know how the story goes. Yes, Miss Kitty was gone. I couldn’t find her anywhere. She was missing in action for 4 days. Finally, the light bulb in my head went on and I thought, “What if I leave the laundry room door open and just pray that she makes it home safely?”
As I went about my daily chores, I spied her in the kitchen eating. I crept in the laundry room and quickly shut the door. From that point on I made sure that she didn’t get out.
The cat’s whole demeanor changed right before my eyes. She would literally run and jump and sit on my lap. I thought to myself, “This is nice for a switch from her more feral temperament.” At the time I was completely ignorant as to what was going on with Miss Kitty. She actually would let me pet her and pick her up, much different from her usually aloof personality. I did notice that she was gaining weight, but I didn’t think anything of it, “She is just a happy cat.”
Then one spring night I was laying on the couch watching TV. I had a blanket over me. Miss Kitty jumped up in my lap. I noticed something was bothering her because she was so restless. Finally, she lay down in between my knees, and I positioned myself to give her more room, and before I knew it I heard crying. But it was not Miss Kitty crying, it was a baby kitten. I watched in child-like excitement as she bore four more kittens. I was witnessing the miracle of life. Four were solid black and one was a baby ‘Sylvester.’
This was the very first time I had witnessed an animal giving birth, and in between my knees of all places! This most natural of all events taught me to expect the unexpected.
Baby Sylvester did not make it unfortunately, and I had to bury her. The rest of Miss Kitty’s litter grew up to be healthy and happy kittens, and went to fine homes after they were spayed / neutered.
Miss kitty, who initially was so timid, learned to trust me enough with her most important treasures.
I think about trusting God a lot these days, and realize I have learned so much. Yet, there are still times when it is tough to really let go and trust Him. Where in the “Good Book” does it say that it’s supposed to be easy? We do it because He has loved us unconditionally and without reservation. When we do finally realize His lavished love, how much we grow up and really learn to trust God, and expect His love! Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
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Good organization.
I liked how you had short paragraphs which made it easier to read.
Little things in life make a good read.
God bless~