SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH KITTENS

In today’s news, two kittens found shelter in, of all places, the rear passenger side tire of our Kia.  This was after they appeared on our doorstep the night before, mewed incessantly, then ran away when they seemed to realize that the person at the door was NOT their owner.

It made the morning interesting.

I was preparing to take the girls to school and started the car, which got both kittens mewing, but not moving.  They were not leaving the tire!  Our youngest located them.  We all discovered together that the only way to get them out was by going under the car and pulling them out.  I jacked up the car and went under. I grabbed one by the ear and he came out.  I grabbed the other by the paw and he came out.  We got them into a warm box and Cheryl took it from there.

On the way to work, I mused over the whole incident.  The kittens knew they were in trouble, but they were not about to come out.  The only thing that ended their reluctance was a forced evacuation.  Someone had to rescue them whether they wanted it or not.  Fear caused them to cry out and the same fear caused them to stay put.

Sometimes, that is my story as well.

I know when I am not in the best place or the right place.  I make a bad choice , use the wrong words or display a sour attitude.  I’m in trouble and need help, so I cry out.  But I don’t want to move from my secure location, whether for fear or pride – most of the time, it’s pride.  The only rescue comes from a benevolent forced move.  I need to apologize whether I like it or not.  I need to own up for making a bad situation worse.  The difference is life or death.

I could have knowingly left the kittens there.  After all, we were late!  Now all of you kitten lovers, remember that is not what we did!  It was one option, but we chose health over harm and life over death.  Yes, they are kittens; and they are a creation of the Lord after all. 

I may not always like how the Lord rescues me or shows me that I need rescuing.  But I am always grateful that I am so important to him that he will not leave me in harm’s way when a way of escape can be made.  The temptation to stay where it is comfortable or even pleasurable to my human nature.  But with every temptation, a way of escape has been made.  I am pretty sure that the Lord has used some kindly pulling at an ear or a paw to get me out of the danger zone.