Sorry about the lack of posts here lately, but I have had a lot of guests through my house in the past few weeks and...well...spending time with people while they are present and here NOW is more important than cleaning the floor or ironing or even *gasp* blogging. And that is something I am still learning - to be totally present in the moment instead of always thinking ahead or back or sideways to some task unfinished or other people I must contact.
Anyway, all the different people through my household have had an effect on my cats. Tea, especially, became very needy and loud and confused about whether she had been fed or not and was quite bothersome when I was trying to sleep. Someone suggested discipline and I thought, yes, I will have to teach her that this is inappropriate behaviour and was thinking about taking the water tool (a small sprayer) to bed to discourage her poking me and meowing into my ear at night. But before I pursued this avenue, I asked a fellow Jesus-lover and cat-lover what she thought and her answer changed my world! (thanks Tobi).
She said when her cats exhibit bad behaviour because of stress or change, she looks them in the eyes and tells them the truth: things like... they are beautiful, loved, and will never be abandoned. Hmmm. I decided to adapt this to suit my situation and give it a try. I came home late Sunday night and had a talk with Tea, telling her wonderful and true things to counteract all the insecurities and anxieties I saw her acting out of. Then I asked God to bring peace to her. The change in her attitude was immediate! Monday morning there was no whining, she was quiet and settled and was content to wait until a reasonable hour before being fed. In fact, Jazz asked for food before she did! I have seen the needy behaviour surfacing a few times since that, so I just keep reinforcing the truth and praying for her. It is amazing what true words can do! Let us speak them often to one another.
If God so cares for the plants and animals of this world, how much more does he care for us?
This is a hungry raccoon at the Ecomuseum, an animal rescue zoo near my house, where I took my visiting mom on Friday.
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