How do you tell a cat not to be afraid? When the house is full of strange men and strange things with strange smells? When under the bed seems the best place to be?
It’s happening again. In an effort to repair an ongoing issue with water damage in my closet, a workman is here. After opening the wall floor to the ceiling, he thinks he has found the source of the problem. Unfortunately, it is at least a two-day repair. Possibly three. Do they even work on a weekend? Meanwhile, everything from the closet is stacked all over the room and blocking the door to my bathroom. I am managing, but not happily. This sort of mess shakes my equilibrium.
Which brings me back to my anxious cat. Yesterday, while the workman was making a trip to Home Depot, I had a chance to sit down. Hunter came for a cuddle.
“I love you,” I whispered to him. “I’m sorry you’re scared. You don’t have to be.”
I know that won’t allay his fears. I don’t expect it to. He is a cat, after all. But those words were meant for me, too.
“I love you,” God whispers. “I’m sorry you’re scared. You don’t have to be.”
***
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Isaiah 41:13 NLT