“I don’t like it. I’m sad. But I accept this.” At first, I had to say it out loud every time I thought about how much I missed my kitty. I said it out loud to help re-train my negative thoughts. So many times in the routine of my day, I’d miss Kitty Mack. The loss shot thru my emotions like a sharp arrow out of nowhere. I would be going along doing my chores when an image of kitty ‘helping’ me would suddenly flash before me. These sad thoughts were dragging me down. I was going around the house in tears. It was just plain depressing.
”For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.” Psalm 103:11
Then one day in the midst of a cry, I said out loud to God, “I don’t like it. I’m sad. But I accept this.” I reminded myself that altho this was a minor loss compared to big losses I’ve experienced and terrible losses others have suffered, yet it was still a test of my faith. Do I believe that God cares about me? That he cares about what happens to animals? Do I trust him to give me good? Am I sure that he has a plan to bring good things out of pain?
“The Lord is righteous in everything he does;
he is filled with kindness.” Psalm 145:17
One night in bed I told Husband, “It just seems so random. Kitty was a little over one year old. We didn’t get to enjoy him very long. There isn’t a lot of traffic on our road. We often see other cats strolling on the road. What are the odds of him being hit? I don’t understand.” That’s the point, I guess. I don’t understand. But that’s where faith steps in. When things don’t make sense, we hold onto our Father’s character. He is loving. He is wise. He is in charge. He knows. He cares. Someday we’ll see and understand, but in the meantime we trust.
“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.” I Corinthians 13:12
Yes, it’s a small loss in the big scheme of things. But it’s a chance to practice faith. I learned a valuable lesson about the thoughts I allow to re-play in my head. Dwelling on the pain increases it. Dwelling on my acceptance of what God allowed brings peace. Reminding myself of God’s good intentions toward me helped me heal. Sometimes I try to think of reasons why this happened. Maybe we’ll need to spend time away from home helping a relative and we wouldn’t know what to do with Kitty. But in the end, I can’t know now what good will come out of it. Right now all I can do is accept it from a kind, wise Father who loves me and knows what is best.
“For we live by believing and not by seeing.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
What painful, negative thoughts haunt you? What do you need to say to God regarding your situation? Do you believe he hears you? Are you trusting in his unfailing love? Is there someone who needs your comfort in their sadness?
“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
Lori, I’m sorry you’re suffering the loss of your beautiful pet. And I so appreciate the faith-filled and balanced response. Being honest with God is so healthy, and reaffirming your trust in His goodness I’m sure pleases Him.
I love you,
Loie
So thankful for the compassion and encouragement of my dear friends. Yes, you’re right, being honest with God is healthy. Obviously, he already knows our hearts, so it’s no use hiding anyway! But admitting where we are, helps us to open ourselves to his healing. I appreciate your comments about him when you were here. Having a friend remark about a pet’s beauty is gratifying and made me appreciate it even more. Glad I did. Hugs.
I’m sorry about your kitty, Lorelei. It’s so hard to lose a pet. Praying for God’s comfort.
Thanks, dear Susan. Appreciate you!
I didn’t realize you had gotten a new kitten. I am so sorry for your pain
Thanks, friend. We got Kitty Mack about a year ago. He was a happy diversion for us when we were cooped up in our RV while Jack built our little house. So thankful for all he did for us. God is good. Thanks for writing. We keep praying for your family every day. Hugs across the miles.
I am sorry for your pain on losing kitty Mack.
On Labor Day, of all days, my cat, CoCo, came into some kind of horrible physical trouble. She could hardly breath, her eyes were fixed on nothing, she couldn’t move except for some jerking of her arms or legs and she would let out these agonized moans. She’s had neurological issues in the past and it seemed it had all caught up with her.
Since it was Labor Day I had to take her to the Emergency Pet Clinic where she had to be euthanized.
Very sad time and I kept second guessing myself as to whether she had a good life or not.
Anyway, as you know, after Irma hit Florida, many animals had to be evacuated. Young-Williams accepted about 100 animals and were in a panic begging for people to step up and take some of them as fosters.
It seemed like the Lord’s plan all along, and I accepted a little one year old tabby to keep for a limited time until they could make room in the shelter.
Needless to say, I fell in love and have had to adopt her. I had not realized how old my cats had grown until I say this little one frolicking and leaping from one height to another.
Anyway, as you said, God is good, He takes home those who need to go, and takes care of us who are left behind.
So many animals are desperate for loving forever homes that when you are ready, I’m sure one will come into your life to comfort and love you!
Love you, Denny
What a sweet story, Denny! I love how the Lord had it all planned out for you (and for little kitty!). Love what you said, “God is good, He takes home those who need to go, and takes care of us who are left behind.” Never second guess your cat care, friend. Your kitties are lucky to have you for an owner! Thanks so much for sharing this story of God’s loving care for you. Hugs.