Fur, bewhiskered, liquid eyes,
Vibrant purr on silent feet.
Angel in feline disguise,
Upon my lap she takes her seat.
Though full of independent grace,
Her pleasure is to be with me.
Looking up to seek my face,
Before she curls herself for sleep.
I wrote that poem years ago for a writing seminar. The cat was Missy. Now I have Hunter and he likes being on my lap even more than Missy did.
With Hunter, though, it’s a little different. Most cats, when they sit on a lap, face outward toward your feet. Hunter prefers to face me for cuddles. He purrs, kneads and licks my neck. Then he settles, content to be with me and thinking his own cat-thoughts, with my arm encircling him. Finally, with his head on my heart, he falls asleep.
I watch him, pretty sure I could sit like that forever.
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Lord, is this how you feel when I spend time with You? Do You look forward to just being with me? Not doing anything but enjoying our time together? Is that what this verse means?
I am humbled and quieted in your presence.
Like a contented child who rests on its mother’s lap,
I’m your resting child and my soul is content in you. Psalm 131:2 The Passion Translation
I confess I’ve not been very like a contented child. I’ve thought that You were only pleased with “doings.” I thought I needed to prove myself through obedience and action. Forgive me for turning You into a judging slave driver instead of a loving Father. Remind me of this:
The Lord your God is with you.
The mighty One will save you.
The Lord will be happy with you.
You will rest in his love.
He will sing and be joyful about you.” Zephaniah 3:17 International Children’s Bible
Remind me what You promise:
Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” Matthew 11:28 Living Bible
Remind me, most of all, what this means:
I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, Lord, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 Contemporary English Version
I love You, Lord.