Skippy, My Purr-fect Teacher

Fifteen hours and 900 miles later, we are nestled into our little mountain retreat in Virginia.  Thank You, Lord, for our safe arrival! Surrounded by boxes, I am looking forward to the “nesting” I love to do whenever we travel.  Finding a place for everything. Putting everything in its place.  “Breaking in” our “home-away-from-home” again — trying it on and “wearing it” — until it feels like a familiar and oh-so-comfortable old shoe.

The nesting will begin tomorrow in earnest.  But tonight, as I reflect on our long trip, I can’t help but look at Skippy with wonder.  I have a lot to learn about abiding in Your Presence, Lord.  I just never expected Skippy to be one of my teachers.

“… let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…”  (Proverbs 1:5)

She’s a wonderful traveler!  No “freaking out” or nausea or panic attacks requiring tranquilizers.  She isn’t concerned about  where we are going… just that she’s there with us — totally content to be with her Mommy-cat and Daddy-cat.  It isn’t that she’s disinterested.  She spends long periods perched on the console between our seats, watching the highway intently.  I can’t imagine what she’s thinking, but she’s certainly watching where we are headed… as if she doesn’t want to miss any part of the adventure.

When she isn’t watching, she’s sleeping — stretched out in her cozy “cave” (her cat carrier, anchored by a seat belt and open for her to come and go as she pleases).  Such deep relaxation is a gift.  I know a few people who can’t relax in a car unless they are driving!  Skippy’s quite happy to not be “in control”… to surrender to our direction, truly happy to follow wherever we lead.

“When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”  (John 10:4)

When we stop at our pet-friendly hotel overnight, I carry her in my arms from the car to our room.  She lets me, even though we are moving through unfamiliar places with unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells… including the occasional dog.  She isn’t passive; rather, she’s alert and vigilant.  Keenly aware of her surroundings and ready for action, should action be required.  Yet clearly secure and content to be in my arms… trusting that she is well cared for and safe from harm.

Even now, like last night, she’s lying at my feet… not demanding my attention, just content to be near me.  We’re tempted to call her “Pup Cat.”  Is she part dog?  Or is she part Mary?

“[Martha] had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said… Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:28-42)

I can’t even count the number of times I felt compelled to reach out and pet her.  Cooing at her, kissing her, caught up in her cuteness, wanting to lavish my love on her with a touch or a kiss or a gentle word…

Is this a picture of You, too, Lord?  Desiring to lavish Your love on me (and everyone else who has opened their heart to You)… because You, too, feel compelled by Your affection for us?  Is Skippy’s unique style of “abiding” meant to teach me something about the abiding You desire from me?

What a picture!

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.”  (John 15:7-8)

Gratefully learning,

Abba’s Girl

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