The sun was streaming through the kitchen window as I stood at the table folding laundry. Missy hopped up to see what I was doing and sat down to be companionable. Quickly I folded a rag towel and put it where she could lounge comfortably in the sun, and we could enjoy each other’s company.
All was serene for a while. Then Archie came to see what we were doing. He agreed that it was good idea to bask in the sun and so he walked over to where Missy was stretched out nearly asleep. With a few deft licks and well-placed nips, he chased her away and took her place on the towel.
How mean! I thought. He deserved to be chased away himself after what he did!
But I knew something neither cat knew. The sunshine was moving! Soon that coveted place would be in darkness and another spot in the sun.
Quickly I folded another towel and called to Missy.
”Come, Missy. Here is a spot for you. The sun will be shining here in a few minutes.”
Missy came, of course. But she did not believe me. She could see that the sun was warming her brother. And she could see that the second towel was in the shadow. Why would anyone want to lie there? she asked, giving me a look as she walked away.
Well, turns out I was right. Soon the shadow had engulfed Archie’s towel and the second towel was in the light. But no cat was sitting on the second towel. The potential blessing had been rejected by one who did not understand.
From time to time I think
I see
A place of blessing meant for me;
But find instead, to my despair,
There’s
someone else already there.
And then I hear You call
to me,
To tell me where I need to be.
You vow if I but wait in place,
I’ll
know the sunlight of Your Grace.
But do I listen? I do not!
There is no sunshine on that spot!
And what I heard You say belies
The evidence of my own eyes.
And so when blessings start to pour
Like sunshine on the kitchen floor,
Your love and grace fall warm and fair.
But not on me, ’cause I’m not there!