Like so many other people these days, I’ve had a lot of heavy issues taking up space in my brain. Most are about survival, both physically and economically, and some are about discipline as it relates to staying focused and positive. Trying to be creative right now has certainly been a challenge for me. And avoiding the negative is downright impossible if you spend any time on social media.
However, there is some relief in sight – finally. Businesses are starting to unlock their doors and turn their lights on. More and more people are moving about. And I’ve been getting some phone calls from curious folks who are about ready to venture a little farther from their homes than they’ve been going. Once our museums and other tourist attractions open their doors again, I think we’ll be back in business. Maybe another week or two. At least part-way. Anything would be helpful at this point. Fingers crossed. And prayers that this will happen sooner rather than later.
My focus has been further compromised by the presence of three rambunctious kittens who are pure joy to watch with their antics. We had a bit of a set-back with the cat situation at our house last week. Momma kitty disappeared. I called the vet for some helpful tips about how to assist the babies until she returned and discovered that sometimes nursing mothers will do that until their milk dries up because they’re tired of nursing. Forced weaning, I guess. Since my babies have been eating solid food in addition to nursing, the vet felt quite confident that they’d be okay as far as the food situation was concerned. Learning basic life skills – well – I don’t know about that. I can’t teach them how to hunt mice. They are really good at play-fighting though.
We had also introduced the little ones to a litter box because once they started eating solid food . . . well . . . you all know what happens. They seem to be getting that concept figured out but having three kittens share one litter box is a bit awkward. Of course, when one “goes” they all “go,” and the box just won’t accommodate all three at the same time. And, for some reason, the cat litter is the absolute most fun toy they have at their disposal so there’s ALWAYS a mess to clean up. Good grief. Who’d have thought playing in their own poop would be so interesting?
Anyway, with so much going on, my nightly supplications to God have been rather lengthy. I always talk to God right after I’ve laid down to go to sleep. It’s my quiet time to clear my thoughts and calm my body for rest. I’m sure by now God must be getting tired of all my ramblings, but it makes me feel better to get all that nonsense off my chest.
So, the other night was I praying, telling God all my usual mundane complaints and worries, thanking him for my many blessings and asking for his continued protection with, not only my health, but also my business and my sanity. And so on. This particular night I also thanked him for delivering the three little bundles of fur to me and asked that, if possible, their momma might could find her way back to us. And, if that couldn’t happen, then that he watch over the little ones if they were scared or lonely. To keep them safe and help them grow up as healthy and well-adjusted little felines. (I told you, I tell God all my nonsensical things.)
Then, speaking of healthy cats, I remembered that I had forgotten to write kitty litter on the shopping list, which lead me to immediately getting out of bed to write it down because, if I don’t do it right away, there’s a real good chance it won’t get done. And we really need kitty litter.
So, I traipse off to the kitchen and add kitty litter to my grocery list then crawl back into bed and wiggle around again until I find my comfortable spot and that’s when it hits me – – – – – holy crap – – – – – I was talking to God!! And I just . . . walked away. I’m the worst kind of heathen. But, doesn’t that just prove my point? I need help. Lots of help.
“Hi God. Me again. Sorry about that. Please forgive my scatterbrain and, if it’s at all possible, provide me with some focus so this embarrassing situation doesn’t ever happen again. Amen.”
Have you ever forgotten what you were doing while praying? Should my lesson be to just keep my prayers short and sweet? Do you unload your mental baggage on God? Don’t want to talk about God, how about kittens? Any advice for three 7-week old abandoned kittens?
As always, I love it when you join the conversation. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Word of the Day: Miaul
Fun fact about me: If I can smell a particular odor, my husband usually cannot. And vice versa. I wonder if that’s a male/female thing or if we’re just two complete opposites when it comes to detecting smells.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, May 2020. Images by Pexels and Google Images.
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Just wondering if God happened to mention why he/she sent you those kittens? Possibly to help you through this difficult time? I believe that anyone who is kind to animals brings special favor to themselves, if you get my drift.
Love the word traipse. My mother used it a lot.
This is a heartfelt and cathartic post, Patricia. Nicely done.
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That’s a really nice thought Al. I’ll run with that. We weren’t going to keep any of the kittens (well, maybe one) but now that Momma isn’t around we will probably keep at least one.
Oh, who am I kidding, we’ll probably keep all three because we can’t choose one or the other. They’re all adorable and they all need love.
Thanks for traipsing on over to my blog today. It’s always a joy to see you. Have a wonderful Memorial Day and once again, thank you for your service.
Patricia
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I can’t even count the times I’ve been distracted mid-prayer, so you’re not alone. Luckily for us, God is super-patient with us nonsensical heathens and their rambling prayers. 🙂 I love seeing your posts about your three visitors. I wouldn’t be able to give them away, even to good homes. When it comes to cats, I’m sadly weak that way. Hope you have a great week, and I’m praying with you that everything will open up and get back to normal.
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Whew – I’m glad I’m not the only one. I’m sure by now God’s just come to expect it of me. In fact, some mornings I wake up and wonder if I even said Amen or if I just stopped talking. Hopefully the message was received anyway.
While I will never consider myself a “cat person,” I have grown quite fond of these 3 little rascals. They are so fun to watch. I feel bad that their Momma isn’t around, but maybe that’s just a normal and natural occurrence in the animal world. They seem to be doing okay. They LOVE to play. They’re not crying or wandering around looking for her. They just stick close to each other and go about their business.
Anyway, thanks for your encouragement. Here’s to interrupted prayers. We should form a club or something.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day and rest of the week!
Patricia
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I bet there’s a lot of miauling at your place! Those kittens are so cute – I have really enjoyed your Facebook pictures. And LOL that they all go to the litter box together!
I have fallen asleep while praying before! I’m sure God understands. Talk about mundane stuff, I talk to Him about my job, especially when I’m having trouble getting something I’ve coded to work. Funny thing, the next day is always when I have a breakthrough, even when it’s something I’ve been fighting for weeks!
Hopes and prayers that your business will pick up soon!
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That’s the great part about God, he understands and he forgives. I’ve also noticed that sometimes the next day brings a resolution or calmness about the previous day’s grief. Funny how that works huh?
And yes, there is a lot of miauling going on right now. It’s cute though.
Thanks for visiting. Have a wonderful week!
Patricia
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Yes, I’ve gotten lost in a prayer and gotten distracted, more often than I would care to admit, but I think He understands. God is pretty forgiving, but He sometimes gives us things that force us to put ourselves further down the list and distract us… like kittens. That is one of the beautiful things about this time we find ourselves in as that we are learning to take more time talk to God. I believe He is listening.
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I believe He is always listening. Sometimes my prayers throughout the day are only a few words long, but I always try to remember to thank Him for his glory when I encounter it and to ask for help when I feel lonely or scared. Right now, with everything going on in the world, I’m a bit scared. I know He’ll listen.
Thanks for stopping by and being part of the conversation. Have a wonderful new week!
Patricia
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