WARNING LABEL: This post is for those who love cats, hate cats, peacefully coexist with cats, or those who simply look for life lessons where they can find them.
Our cat, Maisie, has always been affectionate. Since we had to put Magellan down last November, she's been like Saran wrap. So, I thought I'd do something special for her, buy her a real cat bed.
First, there's not an imagination to stretch far enough to consider Maisie a service animal. That meant she couldn't go into Wal-Mart with me. And I knew better than take Tom with me. (Tom falls more in the "peacefully coexist" category than the "love cats" category.) I was on my own.
Our cat, Maisie, has always been affectionate. Since we had to put Magellan down last November, she's been like Saran wrap. So, I thought I'd do something special for her, buy her a real cat bed.
First, there's not an imagination to stretch far enough to consider Maisie a service animal. That meant she couldn't go into Wal-Mart with me. And I knew better than take Tom with me. (Tom falls more in the "peacefully coexist" category than the "love cats" category.) I was on my own.
Unfortunately, my inspiration to purchase Maisie a bed didn't occur until I was in Wal-Mart, and I'm not very good at making visual size comparisons. (Putting leftovers away is a real pain for me.)
Anyway, I bought what looked about the right size for my furry friend, and right price so not to infuriate Tom with the cost. It even came with a small pack of catnip to slip into a pocket on the bottom. (Isn't that kitty marijuana?)
Well, Maisie has had her new bed for a couple of months now, and I haven't actually seen her in it. Does that mean she doesn't sleep in it, or enjoy lounging in it? Not necessarily.
Anyway, I bought what looked about the right size for my furry friend, and right price so not to infuriate Tom with the cost. It even came with a small pack of catnip to slip into a pocket on the bottom. (Isn't that kitty marijuana?)
Well, Maisie has had her new bed for a couple of months now, and I haven't actually seen her in it. Does that mean she doesn't sleep in it, or enjoy lounging in it? Not necessarily.
Even if she doesn't, her cat bed (as opposed to the one she allows us to sleep in occasionally) has reminded me of a couple of lessons about gift-giving.
God loves to bless his children. He's in control of the who, what,..., but he also gives us free to choose how, or if, we will use his gifts. God is faithful even if our faith is fickle.
God loves to bless his children. He's in control of the who, what,..., but he also gives us free to choose how, or if, we will use his gifts. God is faithful even if our faith is fickle.
But it is one and the same Spirit who does all this; as he wishes, he gives a different gift to each person.
I Corinthians 12:11 GNT
Another lesson Maisie and her new bed taught me is that we're to model God's generosity, and his attitude towards gifts. I love Christmas for a lot of reasons, but one of the main ones is that I love giving presents! BONUS: God blesses us when we bless others.
I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak. I taught you to remember the words of Jesus. He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Acts 20:35 ICB
Finally, the Lord has modeled and expects us to not try and control how a recipient responds to our gift. I already knew how to give, but Maisie is teaching me to give without strings attached.
6 The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
II Corinthians 9:6-7 RSV
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