Watching Expectantly

In the morning, O Eternal One, listen for my voice;
    in the day’s first light, I will offer my prayer to You
and watch expectantly for Your answer.
Psalm 5:3 The Voice

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Hunter watches expectantly. I can just see is his eyes and ears as I spoon out cat food. I’m human, and never get the food to him as quickly as he wants. He greets me with anxious little chirps until he can bury his face in his bowl.

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Hunter watches expectantly. He perches on the bathroom sink, waiting for me to make a “puddle” for him to drink from. I’m human, so I don’t always see him, and he has to get his drink from the water bowl in the kitchen. But my failure never dims his expectations. Soon, I find him again, sitting on the sink, watching expectantly.

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Hunter watches expectantly. Even if it isn’t mealtime, he will sit in the “eating place,” hoping for a snack, or small treat. I’m human, so I don’t always see him. But when I do, he gets something special. Of course he does! He knows he will – and so do I.

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Hunter watches expectantly. He sits, in perfect cat-posture, waiting for his bedtime “treats.” As soon as I have the container in my hand, he sits a little taller, eyes on the prize.

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I wish I could say that I watch expectantly. But so often after I pray, I give up and walk away, convinced that the answer will be “No.” I wonder how many blessings I miss because I don’t expect them.

I am shamed by my cat, who always expects the best from me. I am shamed because I know better. The Eternal One, who watches over me, is more faithful than I could ever be.

 You, O Eternal, are the One who lays all good things
in the laps of the right-hearted.
    Your blessings surround them like a shield.
Psalm 5:12 The Voice