Tap. Tap. Tap.
What on earth was that?
I looked up. Missy was coming, carrying, vertically, the feather duster. The feathers completely obscured her face, the handle gently struck the floor as she walked, straddling it.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Carefully she negotiated the step into the kitchen. Then, with great deliberation, she laid her burden down. The feather duster now completely covered her water bowl.
With one paw she patted her handiwork, then walked away satisfied.
And not for the first time, I wondered what on earth she was thinking.
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Lord, you have tested me,
so you know all about me.
2 You know when I sit down and when I get up.
You know my thoughts from far away.
3 You know where I go and where I lie down.
You know everything I do.
4 Lord, you know what I want to say,
even before the words leave my mouth.
5 You are all around me—in front of me and behind me.
I feel your hand on my shoulder.
6 I am amazed at what you know;
it is too much for me to understand.
Psalm 139: 1-6 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
As much as I would like to, I can’t really figure out how my cat thinks. I can only watch her behavior – and guess. But God “gets” me completely. He is all around me (v 5): I’m never forgotten or forsaken. He knows the thoughts, fears and motives behind my words and actions, the good and the bad. He understands – and loves me anyway! Therefore, I can trust Him as teacher and guide:
23 God, examine me and know my mind.
Test me and know all my worries.
24 Make sure that I am not going the wrong way.
Lead me on the path that has always been right.
Psalm 139: 23-24 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)
And, Lord, though I often don’t understand the motives, fears and thoughts behind people’s actions, help me to always treat them kindly, generously, graciously. The way I treat my cat – and the way You, my God, have always treated me. Amen.
I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. – Henry Drummond