Kitty Wisdom

Cats. Not a big fan. Growing up, we had dogs: Penny, Precious, and Bogie. I don't remember much about Penny or even how long we had her. Our next dog was one of her puppies, Precious. She lived up to that name. She was hit by a car and had to have one of her back legs amputated. I remember thinking it was cool having a 3-legged dog. Many years passed between Precious' death and our next dog, Bogie, a mailman-terrorizing German Shepherd. Looking back, I'm surprised we ever got mail. I was indifferent to Bogie; didn't love him, didn't hate him. He was just a dog. My mom's feelings towards Bogie was different though. She certainly loved him and, for her, he was part of the family. I think she was way more patient with that dog than she was with me or my sisters. The countless times he escaped from the yard, neighbor's complaints, and even a citation or two, never phased my mom. Had me or my sisters behaved like that we would have been shipped off to juvenile hall. But I digress. Jerry and I attempted dog ownership a couple different times. I have some very funny stories about Bert and Ernie, two black lab/dalmatian mix dogs. Let's just say they were a handful and kept Jerry running around the neighbor hood on a regular basis, hopping fences and sweatpants around his ankles. We found a good home for them shortly after Bryson was born. We had a cat too. Her name was Sophie. She and I had a love/hate relationship but as far as cats can be, she was one loyal cat. She was with us for about 15 years which included 4 moves, 3 kids, 2 more dogs and 1 wild drive to Spokane.

Fifteen years with one cat, one would think I would be a cat person; but I am not, which is funny because we currently have 9 cats. Yes, I said 9. At one point about a two years ago, we had 14 cats. Oh my. It won't be long and we will be known as the crazy cat people on Lorane Hwy. At my house, cats are a necessity. We live in the country, and in 16 years we have only had one mouse in the house. Our cats are working cats; they are not pets. Only 5 of the cats have real names: Bruce, Mama, Lemur, Sunshine, and Mister (aka Stupid). These five cats are pretty good cats. They not only keep mice away from the house, they've also been known to take out a mole or two. Bruce is more like a dog sometimes and he follows us when we walk around the property. Jerry is the cat whisperer and has always been able to approach and hold any of our cats. But the last 4 cats are different. Two of them are grown and two are kittens. We call them mom cat, other cat, kitty one, and kitty two. I think we are tired of coming up with names. The kittens were born about 12 weeks ago and we have had little contact or interaction with them. The mom cat moved them off the porch after about two weeks. Jerry would find them and mom cat would move them. Jerry found them again and yep, you guessed it, mom cat moved them again. We had an idea of where they were but we never approached. Partly because mom cat and other cat were fiercely protective. When those kittens were on the porch, I couldn't walk by without mom cat and other cat jumping up and hissing. They even spit at Jerry. The kittens are now old enough that they can't be hidden. They are out and about on their own mostly and I do see them from time to time.

A few days ago they were back on the porch, eating some food Jerry had set out. I walked out to get in my car to go to work and those kittens literally ran for their lives. The calico kitten ran down the stairs, around the corner, and disappeared. The black and white kitten dove under the stair rail, flew over the rock garden, turned left and also disappeared. I giggled. I even said out loud, "Oh kitties, no need to run, I won't hurt you. Silly kittens." As I drove to work, I couldn't help but think that maybe I should be more like those "silly" kittens. Maybe those "silly" kittens had a lesson (or three) to teach me.

Lesson 1: Recognize danger. 
Those "silly" kittens saw me as a threat. To them, I represented danger and someone who could do them harm. Sometimes I think that people (me included) don't always recognize the dangers in this world. Yes, we teach our kids about stranger danger. We wear seat belts in the car and helmets on our bikes. We lock our doors and windows at home and keep poisonous items out of reach. But that's not the kind of danger I am talking about. I'm speaking of the danger that can bring devastation to heart, mind, and spirit. One story, one person in Scripture in particular comes to mind. Eve.

One day in God's beautiful garden, danger came and unfortunately, Eve didn't recognize it. I will give Eve the benefit of the doubt here because this danger was not obvious at first. Remember, the serpent that approached her did not frighten her by its appearance or by the fact that it spoke. I find that fascinating. If it were me, I would run from a serpent, let alone a talking one. So I imagine that it was a beautiful creature and maybe, just maybe, it's possible that animals some how communicated with Adam & Eve in God's perfect garden. Either way, the serpent did not come with a neon sign that flashed DANGER! However, the moment that serpent opened it's mouth and spoke, Eve should have recognized the danger. Why? Because the first 4 words spoken by the serpent were, "Did God actually say...?" (Genesis 3: 1 ESV). The serpent was questioning the truth of God's word. Instead of saying, "Um yeah, that's exactly what God said!" and walking away, Eve chose to reason with and listen to the lies of the serpent. We know the rest of the story. In a conversation of approximately 80 words, sin entered the world and danger was everywhere.

We have got to recognize the danger that comes when people want us to doubt the truth of God, His word and Who He is. All of God's word is true, from beginning to end. I remember seeing a bumper sticker many years ago that said, "God said it, I believe it, that settles it."  It really should read like this, "God said it, that settles it!" Period. My believing doesn't affect the truth of what God says. You don't have to believe God's word but it is still true and truth. Believing and obeying God's true word is the greatest tool we have when it comes to recognizing danger in all it's forms. I can't stress enough the importance of spending good, quality time in the Bible everyday. Read it. Study it. Examine it. Apply it. There are so many Eve's today, who take the time to get more acquainted with the danger of doubting God's word rather than knowing the truth of God's word.

(Commercial Break: If you want to learn the Bible better, I encourage you to enroll in Faith Bible Institute (FBI). It is a 3-year course that goes through the entire Bible. It is, by far, one of the best things I have done in growing my knowledge of and intimacy with God. In Eugene, classes are at Westside Baptist but this course is taught worldwide and you should be able to find it in an area near you. Visit www.faithbibleinstitute.com for more information.) Now back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Lesson 2: Flee danger
Those "silly" kittens did what was exactly necessary to protect themselves-they ran and they ran fast. Again, another story from Genesis comes to mind. This time it is in chapter 39. Joseph is working in Potipher's house. Joseph had reached the high position of overseer and was basically second in command. But Mrs. Potipher had eyes for Joseph and was constantly trying to seduce him. One day, when all alone, Mrs. P cornered Joseph and used all her womanly wiles on him. What did Joseph do? Instead of giving in to the momentary pleasure, he saw the danger and he fled. Fast. There was no hanging around and weighing the pros and cons of the situation or listening to the convincing and attractive arguments put forth by Mrs P. He understood the danger that this would be "great wickedness and sin against God" (Gen 39:9). Yes, there were consequences to Joseph's choice. Mrs. Potipher lied and Joseph ended up in prison. I think that if Joseph had given in to her, he still would have ended up in prison. I also believe it would have changed his relationship with God and the way that God would use him. Why do I think that? Just look around at Christians who didn't flee when they had the chance. Sadly, the church is rife with examples of people who have lost their families, ministries, and even their lives because they knew the danger but chose to flirt with it instead of flee from it. I'm not just talking about sexual immorality either. Danger comes in many forms. I could write several blogs on what they are, how they manifest, and how they destroy. I speak from experience but let me say that any entanglement that draws you away from God is a danger that you need to recognize and then flee. Fast.

Here are some verses that I encourage you to look up: 1 Timothy 6:3-12 & 17-21; 2 Timothy 22-26; James 4:1-7. There is great insight as to what we are to flee, why we are to flee, and the results. I could go through each passage but then I would be robbing you of the joy and privilege of reading God's word (See lesson 1).

Lesson 3: Find safety
When those "silly" kittens ran for their lives from the danger in front of them (me), they didn't just run from my reach; they ran for a safe place of protection. Into the garage/shed they went through a small hole in the corner siding. There the kittens could wait until the danger (me again) had gone. For people, there is no better place of protection than in the arms of God. Run to Him for safety, help, comfort, and strength. Over and over in Scripture God is said to be our shield, refuge, strong tower, and a very present help in time of trouble. He is always ready, willing and able to protect us from the dangers of the world. That's what a good father does for his children and there is no better Father than God Himself. He doesn't leave His children alone to face the danger. There is also safety with God's people. It is so important to find other believers who know God's word and who can give wise, biblical advice and counsel. I have a several close friends who love the Lord and I know that when I need advice, they will give it to me straight from God's word. I so appreciate that act of love and protection, even though it isn't always easy to hear truth when I'd rather hear something that justifies my own selfishness or pride, two very real dangers.

Recognize danger, flee danger, and find safety. Who knew those "silly" kittens were so wise? So will I turn into a cat person now? Nah, that's not gonna happen any time soon, but I am grateful for the valuable lesson and reminder those kittens have taught me. Maybe they are not so silly after all.