Purr-and-praise Time

Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Philippians 4:11-12

Who would have thought we would have a kitty around our household? Both my husband and I had childhood pets, but they were dogs! We grew up as dog people and decided to wait on a pet until we had children. After six years of marriage and waiting for a child (not a pet!), we finally became a family of three with our beautiful daughter.

Not only do children change our lives, but God uses them (and pets) to facilitate change in us! Right? Oh, the things we all do for love in that changing process!

When new phrases started to roll off our toddler’s tongue, we constantly heard, “Kitty! Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!” for at least two years. Then through providential circumstances, we adopted Fluffy from a friend, and I grew to be a slave to our new kitty! For fifteen years, Fluffy was a daily picture of contentment and a facilitator of our early-morning Purr-and-Praise time together.

Morning by morning, he plopped right down on my lap while I read my Bible.

I learned to appreciate Fluffy for many reasons, but most of all for the daily reminder to be content, no matter what is going on. During stressful times when I’d call out to God, Fluffy would be curled up on my lap, the picture of contentment. Seeing him there reminded me that I always have a place to curl up in God’s lap, and I should plant myself there every day.

While my fur ball purred, I would pray, “Lord, help me be like Fluffy, content whatever my situation today. You tell us contentment is learned. I want to be a good student of Your amazing grace! You promise us strength for all things ahead, and I choose to rest contentedly in Your faithfulness.”

Like Paul, we too can learn the secret of living contentedly in every situation. Whether or not you have a kitty, remember the lesson from Fluffy and start your Purr-and-Praise today.