The Catnap

The righteous care for the needs of their animals. Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)

Many years ago, I had a tortoiseshell cat. Her name was Ethel. The only thing I can remember about her was that once she went to sleep, it was unwise to try to move her. She went from sleeping mode to full attack within seconds. But she was a great mouser! Cathy Elliott (All God’s Creatures) shares her cat-car experience and the life-lesson she learned.

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Soon after I drove home in my brand-new CRV, I parked it in the carport, then stopped to admire it for a while. It was exactly the vehicle I wanted. My beautiful, pearlescent-white chariot. Luxurious enough for comfort but also fully utilitarian. All-wheel drive with plenty of room to store my handmade twelve-string guitar and case safely. Almost dancing into the house, I seemed to be walking on air.

Behind me, I heard a troubling thump. Stopping mid-step, I caught my breath. Had something fallen on my new car? I rushed back and spotted Niner, a large, tortoiseshell cat, spread out on the still shiny, white hood. What chutzpah! My temper flared and I flailed my arms, warning him off. He gave me a side-eye look, apparently not interested in removing himself from the hot, white warmth of the Honda’s hood. The February chill hardened my heart. Was I to expect his paw prints littering the purity I’d just purchased? Niner needed to nest next door, not on the hood of my new baby.

Apparently, he disagreed. Even though I persuaded Niner to vacate his shiny throne more than once, he always sneaked back. I might find him cozied up against the vents, asleep. Or discover evidence of a visit—paw prints. Afraid to get tough with him and end up with scratches in the paint job, I began to pray about the situation. And God gave me some insight.

He loved that little cat. And cared about his welfare. God made humans and land animals on the same day. Didn’t that give them a special connection? They have much value in the kingdom and are good gifts from the Father.

My eyes began to open. I had been thinking of Niner as a pest sleeping atop my new car, but God asked me to be generous with an inanimate object. An expensive object, yes. But one that offered care and comfort to an animal lovingly created by God. And needing a warm place to rest.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

Treat all creatures kindly, then, so far as you can, for the great Creator’s sake.

—Charles Spurgeon