When God Smiles His Cat Grin

The cat drama continues.

We finally brought home three new kitties the end of June and the kids were so excited.  But just as life was settling in for cats and kiddos, two of the kittens took a ride somewhere never to be found again, leaving only Max to brighten our days.  Through the course of friends finding out about our children’s sadness and desire for kittens, we inherited two more, Whiskers and Oreo. 

As Caleb was doing chores this morning, Daniel sent Nate to the other farm, leaving Caleb alone with the coon dogs.  Caleb thought he had latched Copper’s kennel door and stepped in with Sissy and locked himself in.  He soon realized Copper was loose and hollered for Nate, not knowing Nate was already gone.  By the time he got out of Sissy’s pen and up to the house to alert Daniel, Copper had already gotten a hold of Max.  By this time, Katie is beyond upset and Caleb is doing his best to hold it together as he was the one trying to drag Copper off Max. 

The morning was not what any of us planned. 

Emotions soon subsided as our children have already had to learn the cycle of life . . . and death on several previous occasions.  With hearts still sore, they bucked up and occupied themselves with playing while I dug a hole in our ever-growing pet cemetery.

On our way home late tonight from a campfire with friends, we spotted a kitten as we were driving through the bottoms.  All of the children were already asleep, but Nate and Katie quickly came to life when they heard me say, “That looked like Sammy.” 

Daniel backed the truck up and to our surprise the cat was not only still there, but willingly let us catch it and bring it home.  I am not sure I can explain how very lively and excited Nate and Katie were at the prospect of this kitten being theirs, especially since it is identical to one of the cats who took a ride somewhere never to be found again?

God smiles on us when we least expect it.  And even if this cat is someone else’s and we have to return it, it was still a great reminder tonight that we are never alone.  Even in the midst of hurting or sorrow, He sees all and cannot wait till just the right moment to shower us with reminders of how much He loves us and is looking out for us, even if it is only a simple thing like a cat on the side of the road.  So tonight I am beyond grateful for a cat grin that somehow looks very much like God’s smile.