Lessons From a Cat

Finally after nearly 20 years, I decided to adopt a cat. Not just any cat. I wanted an adult cat that needed a home, so after looking online, I decided to go to the local shelter to see a rescue cat they had available… to see “if she would be a good fit for me,” they said. They brought her in; I was smitten, and just like that, I was the owner of a 5-year-old female tuxedo cat!

My dream was to have a cat like the ones I’d had before. One who would cuddle with me, sit on my lap, and let me love on her whenever I wanted to hold her. Needless to say, this was not the case with Mochi. I didn’t know her history, but 5 years is a long time to be moved from one shelter to another, one foster home to another, never knowing if this might be her forever home, so I expected a period of adjustment. I did not expect this to last for weeks, but Mochi made it clear that being held, cuddled, or even petted was off limits! So I read countless articles online about caring for cats and gaining their trust. I tried everything suggested – giving treats, using catnip, etc. Nothing worked. What cat doesn’t like catnip toys, right? Not Mochi. One sniff, and she ignored every toy. I refused to quit. Time, patience, and love. I was convinced that would be the key to her heart.

A few weeks have passed, and while Mochi doesn’t appear to be afraid of me, she definitely does not crave my attention. I am, however, learning to interact with her on her terms. She does allow me to pet her now, and even once, she rubbed up against my leg! I was elated!! Then that very same night, she nipped at me when I went to pet her. Frustrating? At times, but it doesn’t matter. I love her dearly, and I will not give up on her. However, I will not force my affections upon her either. I will feed her, clean out her litter box, give her treats, and give her the space she needs, all the while, waiting for the day when she will accept me into her life. That will come when she realizes that I love her and will not abandon her regardless of what has happened in her past or what she does now in our home.

As I watched her sleeping on the end of the sofa, my heart was sad for her and what she may have endured in her five years of life. Then it occurred to me that there are many parallels between my relationship with Mochi and my relationship with God.

Mochi and I both…

…have a past that haunts us at times.

…have been abandoned by those we did trust in our lives.

…have emotional scars that need to be overcome to allow love into our lives.

…have been resistant to accept love from those who desire to give it.

…have attitudes that definitely make us unlovable at times.

…demand our own ways at times.

…want to feel safe, wanted, and loved.

The parallels between what needed to be done in order to be accepted by Mochi, I have to do what God did for me to bring me to where I would accept Him.

1. I have to love her unconditionally as God loved me when I was unlovable.
   1. “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

2. I have to keep my promise to never leave her as God has promised to never leave me nor forsake me.
   1. “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:20

3. I have to forgive her when she does wrong as God forgives me when I sin.
   1. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

4. I have to help her feel safe, believing my love for her will not change.
   1. “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

5. I have to guide and teach her to do what is right as God teaches me through His Word.
   1. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” – John 14:26

6. I have to listen to her when she communicates with me just as God listens to me when I pray.
   1. “The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” – Psalm 34:17

7. I have to protect her as God watches over and protects me.
   1. “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my Saviour; thou savest me from violence.” – 2 Samuel 22:3

8. I have to provide a home for her as God is preparing a place for me in heaven.
   1. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” – John 14:2

In time, I am confident Mochi will be able to accept my love for her, just as I have accepted God’s love for me. Understanding that He loved me enough to die on a cross for me is overwhelming, and I am so grateful for His gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. My life has never been better, and I cannot imagine living without Him! One day, I will look upon my Saviour’s face and thank Him for His unspeakable love!

There is a name I love to hear,
I love to sing its worth;
it sounds like music in my ear,
the sweetest name on earth.

It tells me of a Savior’s love,
who died to set me free;
it tells me of his precious blood,
the sinner’s perfect plea.

O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
O how I love Jesus,
because he first loved me!

(from “Oh, How I Love Jesus!” by Frederick Whitfield & Anon)

“Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” – Psalm 145:3

**********

One day, my Mochi will understand how much I love her, just as one day, when in His presence, I will fully understand the depth, breadth, and height of God’s love for me!