The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them:
he delivers them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17 NIV
It was almost dinnertime, and we were rushing around, setting the table and preparing the food. Little Missy, our brown tabby, was also in the kitchen. As was her habit she would come to each busy person in turn, meowing incessantly and begging for play.
After stumbling over her several times, my husband’s patience wore thin and in exasperation he hollered at her. Of course, it didn’t do any lasting good. She remained underfoot, continuing to pester, as before, but more quietly.
After we had eaten, I began the dishes while Barry got out the coffee maker to make some decaf.
It was then that Missy’s yowling started again. Over and over she cried, not near but not too far away either.
“Missy!” exclaimed my husband, still annoyed. “Be quiet!”
Instantly there was silence.
A few minutes later, I happened to glance down. Archie, the marmalade and white cat, was sitting with his nose pressed up against the cabinet where the coffee maker is stored.
And suddenly I knew what had happened.
Opening the cabinet door, we discovered Missy, reclining on the bottom shelf. That persnickety cat, having been shut up in a cabinet quite accidently, had obeyed our demand for quiet. Deprived of the right to complain, she simply sat down and waited patiently for rescue.
When, through no failing of my own,
I’m in the dark and all alone,
Is my first impulse to complain,
And yowl loudly in my pain?
And when Your voice calls, “Peace, be still.”
Am I quick to do Your will,
Knowing when the time is right
I’ll be rescued from my plight?
Remind me, Lord, there is no place
So dark I cannot see Your face.
And teach me greater trust in Thee,
Just as my kitten trusted me.