Life went on quite smoothly for some time, and we were again lulled into a false sense of security. It was then that Missy discovered that she could climb up the wood pile and get over the fence.
Frantic hunts ensued, with humans calling her name and trespassing through neighbors’ yards. Sometimes Missy would answer us, but all too often she would be too involved with her new discoveries to pay attention to our pleas.
Now it became less restful to go out. Constant vigilance was required to keep our Explorer where she belonged.
Archie did not like it, either. He would immediately disassociate himself from the malefactor by hurrying into the house as soon as she disappeared. We soon learned that when Archie ran to the back door, Missy was gone.
Well, we plugged the wood pile leak with chicken wire as best we could, and peace reigned again for a while. Then one day, Barry looked up to find Missy walking along the top of the fence. She had discovered that six-feet is not at all too high to jump.
Now the problems began in earnest. Just one moment of human inattention was enough for her to take off for parts unknown. She would not try it if we were watching, but as soon as we were distracted, she was over – and out. It was beginning to look as if we were going to have cloistered house cats after all.
The Bible says that I am free
To live within Your boundary.
But do I long to pioneer,
To climb the fence and disappear?
Do I not know, or just not care
That danger lingers “over there?”
Inside the ramparts of Your grace
Will always be protected space.
Lord, teach me to have common sense,
To trust with full obedience,
To stifle every urge to roam,
And stay in You, securely home.