Throughout my childhood, a dog was consistently at the top of my Christmas wish-list, and sure enough, each year, I would unwrap a cute and fluffy puppy (the stuffed animal type, that is) to play with.
While I’ve always loved dogs, I’ve been wary of cats. My assumption, which I felt did not need to be challenged, was that cats are unaffectionate and unloyal. Surely only their canine counterparts possess such loyalty and affection.
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Well, my belief system was turned upside down one snowy winter afternoon when my spouse and I paid a visit to the local animal shelter. That cold Thursday, he somehow managed to coax me into exploring possible adoptees for our pet-less abode.
To the surprise of both of us, an hour later we left the shelter with “Micah,” a 4-year-old female cat, in tow. My husband was cautiously optimistic. I was ambivalent and a tad worried. However, despite my initial reaction, within days of welcoming Micah into our lives I realized that this kitty had already provided me with reminders of important virtues.
1. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
“Then let us no longer judge one another” (Romans 14:13a).
Within an hour of bringing Micah home from the shelter, her tri-colored body was already peacefully snuggled in my lap as I sat on the couch. I felt guilty. I had been quick to judge based on my stereotypes of cats. Contrary to my beliefs, Micah was happy to offer me the opportunity to build a relationship with her. Similarly, it can be easy to quickly draw conclusions about a person based on first impressions. Micah showed me the importance of allowing time to get to know someone. You never know what sort of friendship could bloom.
2. Fear should not prevent us from trying something new.
“The Lord is with me; I am not afraid; what can mortals do against me?” (Psalm 118:6)
I didn’t know what to expect upon bringing home a cat from the shelter, and the uncertainty of this new situation left me feeling afraid. It’s hard to get past the anxiety of wondering, “what if?” However, it is when we venture outside our comfort zones that we can further enrich our lives and grow, regardless of the ultimate outcome. My experience helped remind me that it’s always OK to turn over my worries to God. The Lord is always with us to help us conquer fear if we allow it.
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3. As whiskers are to a cat, so conscience is to us.
“Some, by rejecting conscience, have made a shipwreck of their faith” (1 Timothy 1:19).
A cat’s whiskers relay over instinctual information pivotal for the feline’s well-being. Approaching a tight space that could get this furry critter in trouble? Relying on input from its whiskers, a cat can tell whether they will fit. Micah is particularly hefty and uses the cues from her whiskers before attempting to explore nooks and crannies. We too have an asset to guide us on the right path in the form of an intrinsic conscience. Do we listen to it, or do we choose to ignore it? This served as a great reminder to “see” the way through tight situations with our consciences.
4. Patience is a virtue.
“Proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2).
Have you been greeted with cat poop outside of the litter box upon returning home? Rather than acting out of spite, my cat was trying to inform me that something is not to their liking. After ruling out any health issues with the vet that may be the root of the behavior, I needed to think outside the box (no pun intended) to understand what my furry housemate was trying to say. This part took some patience to try to arrive at the likely cause. Is the litter box dirty? Is it too small? Maybe there is not enough litter in it? Perhaps the location of the box is poorly chosen? Similarly, in our own lives, let us choose patience as we troubleshoot the spiritual, physical, or emotional challenges that our journeys will inevitably bring.
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5. Be quick to forgive.
“Then Peter approaching asked him, ‘Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:21-22).
It has taken me some time to adjust to having a feline resident, and my actions and reactions have not always been ideal. For instance, when Micah jumped on the bed in the middle of the night, landing what felt like an inch from my nose, I screamed. That reaction rightfully resulted in her rapid retreat. I have also stepped on her paw (accidentally of course). It took me a while to remember to look down before I step, particularly when entering a sunny room as she loves to stretch out on the floor in the warmth of its rays. Yet, each time, seconds after a poor response on my end (and there have been more than I can count on the fingers of both hands), Micah consistently returns and approaches me for a head rub. She acts as if nothing hurtful had ever happened. Wow, what a wonderful characteristic to have, to forgive so readily and rapidly. Let this example serve as a reminder that, following Jesus’ words, we too should be quick to offer forgiveness.
Our days with Micah aren’t solely filled with endless snuggles, but she has made the experience easy and rewarding. You may be wondering whether I have converted from a dog person to a cat person. Not exactly, but I understand now that one doesn’t have to be simply one or the other. By giving my family’s new feline friend a chance, I was able to move past my assumptions and be open to something different: another important lesson that lends itself to so many aspects in life.
