Saturday, March 16, 2013

Through the Eyes of Bear

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.


My two boys, Bear and Tuncie. Bear is on the right. I get such a kick out of this picture 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 was meow. I swear, sometimes he was talking to God.
 
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.

“MROW!”

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 Bear and rested him over my shoulder. I began stroking his fur. Soon, he was purring, content in my arms.

“Father, forgive me,” I said.

It still amazes me how God used my cat's eyes to open mine. Perhaps it was because of the love I had for this beautiful creature. God knew how to get my attention. Whatever the reason, I’m so glad that He did.

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.

 
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

(Psalm 46:1 KJV)
 
Note: Today's post is part of the CW blog chain. The topic is "Open". Please check out my sidebar, further down on the right, to see some great posts by other writers.

 
 
 

8 comments:

  1. I love the way God uses critters to make His point. I love the way He uses everything to make His point. We just have to look and see.

    Lovely post, Deborah. I miss having a kitty cat, but I gain an extra puppy dog next month when my daughter and her husband move in for a bit. I wonder what God will have to say through that experience.

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    1. Amen to that, Carol. One never knows how He's going to speak. :-)

      Uh, I have some extra cats. But since you're getting the puppy (and your children), it might not be a good idea right now. And I imagine the Lord will have a lot to say through that experience.

      As always, thanks for stopping!

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  2. what a good post

    it seems we always want to feel His presence instead of being still and knowing it

    biiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiig hug

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    1. Isn't it the truth, Jack? :-)

      I appreciate your stopping.

      Hugs back at you, brother!

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  3. Wow, what a great lesson!

    I've learned so much from my dogs about enjoying the moment. No wishing they were in Paris - they just gulp up the day with a smile!

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  4. If I would have known you were coming, Cathy, I would have had some chocolate for you. ;-)I would've even had a treat for your dogs!

    Merci beaucoup for stopping by. It is much appreciated.

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  5. This is an interesting post, Deborah. Pretty kitty babies, you have too! Today, we bought our girls bunnies. I wonder how God will use them to bring home the truth of His wonders? Have a blessed day.

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  6. Awww. I love bunnies. I'll bet your girls will enjoy them. And who knows how God will use them to get your attention? ;-)

    Thanks for stopping!

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