Our Three Cats...by John Naberhaus

 

Over the years, we've had three young, stray cats---all females---show up at our doorstep. We would always ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone had any cats missing. No one ever did (or admitted to it). We live just off a busy road and people may have been releasing them, hoping someone would pick them up.

 

The first two showed up about eight years ago. We gave them some water as they looked thirsty. They stayed at the back door overnight and didn't leave. Then we gave them some food. We were able to pet them and they seemed friendly enough. So we opened the back porch door and they came in to investigate. We named them, Callie and Dollie.

 

We took the cats to the veterinarian to get checked out. Both had diseases and needed to be de-wormed. Dollie was in the worst shape...very weak...and the veterinarian wasn't sure she would live. But after a couple of weeks, she got her strength back and we were able to take her home.  We decided that they should be indoor cats as they seemed to want to stay inside and be around us.

 

The third cat showed up about four years later. I told my wife it would be a miracle if the cat stayed. We already had Callie and Dollie and didn't need any more cats in the house. But she blended in well with the other cats, and in time she, too, walked through our door. So we named her Miracle!

 

Over the years we've had other cats and dogs come by. They would stay in the yard for a while, but eventually leave. Only Callie, Dollie, and Miracle joined our family. I guess God sent them at the times they needed us...and maybe when we needed them, too.

 

Thinking about what has happened with these three cats, I've realized that God does the same for us.

 

We all have an opportunity to be a part of His family...if we come to Him. He doesn't turn anyone away. He doesn't care what we've done in the past. He accepts us as we are. When we accept His Son as the one to rid us of all our soul's diseases, He gives us new life.

 

God opens the door for us to come into His way of life. Some may look inside and leave. Others may stay for a while. But if we come in and stay, then God cleans us up. He gives us a new beginning. And we become part of His family.

 

God has offered this to everyone. He stands at the door of our hearts, asking us to come to Him. No matter what we have done in the past, God gives us the chance to start anew with Him. We just need to trust Him.

 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.Proverbs 3:5-6

 

Put your trust in the Lord. Enter into His rest. Acknowledge Him in all you do, and He shall direct your path. Amen