Keeping Watch

Joyful are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home!

PATTY HAS ALWAYS LOVED CATS. To her, a house is not a home unless a cat lives there too. Her home had been feeling especially empty the past year since losing her two senior cats to cancer, their deaths coming just two months apart. So not surprisingly, when her sister called about a ten-week-old male kitten in need of a home, Patty jumped in her yellow Camaro and drove several hours to pick up the Maine Coon mix she named Onyx. Within a few short weeks, Patty and Onyx had formed a strong bond—stronger than she could remember sharing with any other pet.

When the midnight-colored cat was in the house, he was by Patty’s side. He followed her, napped with her, draped himself over her as she watched TV, and slept next to her every night. After a few nights of waking up to a small wet spot on the sheets, Patty realized Onyx was a bedtime drooler. But given his sweet temperament, his loyal companionship, and the fact that his nighttime purring soothed her to sleep, Patty was more than willing to forgive him for a little drool on her sheets.

Over time as Onyx grew stronger, more agile, and more comfortable using the cat door Patty installed, he realized he could come and go as he pleased. Soon his curiosity enticed him to venture farther around Patty’s property. He enjoyed exploring his surroundings, chasing leaves and insects, hanging out with the neighborhood cats, and occasionally finding a mouse to pursue. But more than anything, Onyx loved trees. He became an avid and adept climber, especially drawn to an old oak at the very edge of the yard. Its branches extended far past the fence line, stretching toward the road.

Patty liked knowing her little feline buddy had plenty to do while she was at work. “I hate leaving you, but someone has to pay for that canned food you like so much,” she would say, teasing Onyx before giving him a see-you-soon kiss.

Patty was never quite sure what adventure awaited Onyx each day, but she knew exactly how he spent the end of his afternoons. Because every day as she turned her car onto the road leading to her house, she would see her black cat scamper down the lowest branch of the oak and run at full speed toward the driveway. Rain or shine, sweltering heat or freezing cold, day after day and year after year, Onyx perched himself in the oak tree to await the arrival of his favorite human. And once he reached her, he weaved in and out of her legs, purring and meowing his delight over her homecoming. And each time, Patty would scoop him up, nuzzle his neck, and plant kisses all over his head.

“You are just a fluffy ball of love,” she said, wiping away a trail of drool he left on her shirt collar. “Well, a fluffy ball of love and drool.”

PAWS & PONDER . . .

Are you in a season of waiting? Is it a joy or a burden? Consider actively looking for evidences of God’s grace in your life and reminders of his presence while you wait.

Paws & Pray

Father, waiting is difficult. It is so easy for me to feel forgotten when the waiting extends past my comfort level. Please remind me that not a moment of my life escapes you; your timing is perfect and is one more example of your care. Teach me to wait for you with joyful expectation. And give me the words to encourage and support others in their season of waiting.