Of God and Kittens

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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