Since that phone call on May 28th of this year, my time hasn’t been my own. My dad was in the hospital after a fall, had an infection, and would remain in the hospital for nine days. Then, 30 days of rehab and the gradual process of returning home to live by himself. My dad lives 1,000 miles away. Fortunately, for me, my brother has a house “in town,” (he and my sister -in -law live in “the country”) with a beautiful view of a small lake and is available for me to stay in while I am visiting. The house has seen people come and go over the years, but at present, it is not occupied by humans. However, the house came with a CAT. When my brother bought this house, this skinny, predominantly white cat with dark brown and tan markings was hanging around the house and has been here for the last eight years. On my first visit, after KittyKitty requested to come in, I asked, “What do I do with the cat?” The answer was simple, “Whatever she wants; if she wants in, let her in, if she wants out, let her out. Keep food and water in the bowls, both in the kitchen and on the front porch, AND Love on her”. So, that is what I have done, let her in or out, feed her, and love on her.
But, I have come and gone over the last three months, spending most of the first six weeks in town, but home to Houston for a few days at a time. My husband, Lee, was here with me for a week. As we were discussing the Cat and what she does while no one is here, Lee suggested that she was just like Paul, content in her circumstances, whether in the house or not, with people to pet her and talk with her or not, and with a full bowl of food and water or not. Look at Philippians 4:11-13:
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance, and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Are we content in our circumstances? Do we let our circumstances define us or how we feel and look at life? Or are we content? And let the JOY of the Lord define our lives?
The next time you are challenged with your circumstances, remember the CAT that came with the house and her disposition to be content with or without, inside or out, with people around or by herself.
Written September 2016
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2001). (Php 4:11–13). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
