*Today, I am happy to bring you a post by my e-friend guest Deborah K. Anderson. Enjoy!
**(Note on photo via Deborah: “The reason I get such a kick out of this picture is because Bear’s paw is on the Word of God, you know, like we’re supposed to stand on God’s Word. Also, that cat could always sense when the presence of the Lord came into the room. The first thing he did? Meow. I swear, sometimes he was talking to God.”)
Several years ago, my father-in-law was diagnosed with lung cancer. At the same time, my elderly mother suffered a second mini-stroke, followed by a fall. In addition, I was going through personal trials of my own. I desperately needed a touch from God.
No matter what I said, though, or how hard I prayed, I couldn’t hear God’s voice or feel His presence. I pressed on anyway, hoping to move the heart of God.
“God, where are you? Why do all these things keep happening?” I hung my head and wept.
A few moments later, my cat Bear sashayed into the room, bellowing. I adore my cat (and all other animals for that matter), but I didn’t want to be bothered. I felt as though I was ready to snap.
I looked down at him, and as usual, the black ball of fur tugged at my heart with one glance.
“What are you crying about?” I picked him up, scratched behind his ears, and kissed the side of his face. I knew if I coddled him a bit, he’d go back about his business. Soon, he began purring, so I put him on the floor. Within seconds, he started meowing again.
“What is wrong with you?” I said. He just looked at me. I was sure the poor critter was sensing my feelings, so there would be no shutting him up any time soon.
I headed downstairs, hoping to find a quiet place to pray. As I reached the last step, Bear’s paws came padding down the stairs behind me.
Please, God, make him go lie down or something. I can’t take much more.
But the little critter persisted following me through the house, no matter where I went.
I finally ducked into the living room, thinking I had lost my private-eye kitty. Seconds later, he jumped in lickety-split behind me.
“M-R-O-W!”
I threw my hands up. “Okay. That’s enough! What are you crying about? I’m standing right here in front of you. Why do you keep howling at me?”
As I looked in my animal’s eyes, something strange happened.
I’m standing right here, in front of you, too, daughter, so why do you keep crying and asking where I am? Why do you keep wandering around looking for me?
Tears filled my eyes as I looked at Bear. He had suddenly grown quiet, his golden eyes wide in wonder. I then noticed how he’d tugged at my heart without ever making a sound—the same way I had tugged at God’s heart, only I didn’t realize it at the time.
I picked up my pet and rested him over my shoulder. I began stroking his fur. Soon, he was purring, content in my arms.
“Father, forgive me,” I said.
When the storms of life come our way, it can be so difficult to see, especially when the rain begins pelting us. But God is always there, even when we don’t think that He is. It’s during those times we can find rest in His arms.
***You can visit Deborah on her site Faith, Fiction, and Unvarnished Truth.
Oh, Deborah! I believe God speaks to us through others, too–even our 4-legged critters. Thank you so much for sharing this tender moment with us. God is good!
Thanks so much for commenting on Deborah’s piece, Carol! Appreciate it!
I believe the same, Carol. Amazing isn’t it? 🙂
Thanks so much for commenting. You are appreciated.
Love this, Deborah and Lynn! Precious reminder. Precious!
Thanks so much for stopping by, sweet Lisa!
Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Great illustration and reminder. I am posting on Tuesday about seeing what is right in front of you too and think finding this here tonight, I now know for sure that is a message God wants me to pay attention to. Thanks for the great words
Don’t you love it when God does that? Thanks for stopping by, Jean!
And thank YOU for having me, Lynn. You are a doll.
He does do that, Jean. I’ve come to find it’s in the simplest of things (and places). Thanks for taking the time to read my story.
Lynn, I’m a cat lover and so appreciate Deborah’s awesome post. Thanks for sharing!
Hey, sweet Elaine! So glad you dropped by! Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Blessings to you!
Aren’t they the greatest creatures, Elaine? 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting on my story. Much appreciated.
Thank you for sharing your very special story Deborah, this story warms my heart just reading it!