Counting My Blessings

Instead of sheep, cat lovers often fall asleep counting the number of snoozing kitties hogging the blankets. But bigger worries keep many awake at night: relationship troubles, illness, financial strains, or difficult decisions can create insomniacs out of the heaviest sleeper.

Modern people are hardly the first to fret over the ups and downs of life. The Israelites wandering forty years in the desert did plenty of complaining even though God always provided a way for them. While it sounds cliché to count our blessings, twenty-first-century folks can find plenty to be thankful for.

At times, many of us aren’t thankful for much of anything, and teen kitties are no exception. Teen cats are just beginning to perfect their finicky food preferences, often gagging dramatically if they get the same flavor two days in a row. Luckily, these ungrateful kids can usually charm their way into receiving seven different opened cans before accepting the dinner options. But don’t think a teenager cat is going to suddenly grovel with gratitude. He’s got a reputation to maintain. The humans might have to take away privileges (such as treats) until the teen kitty stops slouching and mumbles something like, “Thanks.”

God doesn’t desire fake or superficial gratitude either. If we’re thankful on the outside but seething or scared on the inside, God understands our hearts. Giving thanks to God in everything means being real. Telling it like it is. If you’re not feeling grateful, say so. But pray for the gift of thankfulness. And while you’re waiting, focus your attention on micro-gratitude, the way cats often do.

Practice noticing small details around you. A sunrise, a flower’s petals, a stranger’s smile. These micro-opportunities for thankfulness can actually lift your mood—the way paws-itive reinforcement can distract a kitty. For a minute, anyway.

God doesn’t pretend that awful stuff never happens—God hears our petitions when we lament sincerely. But even in the midst of great pain, remembering what God has given helps us see through different lenses.

Paws-itive Faith Step: The next time you snuggle with your kitty, thank God for this awesome companion.

Father, when life’s strains and stresses start to weigh me down, remind me that in your eyes, I’m a fat cat whose Daddy runs the neighborhood. I can use my cat’s super cute toe beans to count my blessings and, at the same time, get extra snuggles and cuddles. Amen.