The Pet Taxi Predicament and People's Problems

Learning from Constraints

                The time rolled around for the orange and white Manx cat, dubbed by some – the Prince of Belford – to see Doc Reavis for his annual checkup and shots. During Dad’s convalescence, my sister had conveyed Bob, the most pampered cat on the hill, to all of his previous appointments, except the emergency surgery visit. To read about that emergency vet visit, see the blog post at:  http://bernadeanjgates.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-emergency-last-september.html 

Angie, my sister, had several experiences with Bob’s vocalizing while in a vehicle – well to be more accurate – while restricted to a carrier. So she had prepared me for his trip to the vet.

                Mother cautioned me as I closed the door to load Bob, “Keep your mind on your driving. Don’t let him distract you.” As soon as I had Bob loaded in the “Pet Taxi,” his meowing began.  This is quite unusual, since he hardly makes any sounds unless he is trying to convey that he agrees with me, that he is ready to eat, or would like to go outside. Singing, talking, whispering, playing music, or quietness had no effect on the “cat in the carrier” – all the way to Pawnee.

The dreaded Pet Taxi. Bob meowed 95% of his
 time in this container. As smart as he seems, he 
was unable to realize a visit to Doc Reavis was 
for his good.

His behavior did not surprise me. When Bob and his littermate reached about six months old, Bob “set up such a howl” (as my Mother characterized it) when he and Tailer were placed in their “kitty condo” for the night. Mother became so annoyed by his meowing as well as his awakening Tailer, that she said, “Put them out on the porch!” Bob immediately stopped making any sounds and seemed content. 

When Doc Reavis inquired how “we” were, I indicated we were doing ok, except Bob was unhappy with being restricted to the carrier. Then I said, “But it certainly gave me writing material.”

In the backdrop of Bob’s incessant meowing to express displeasure at being constrained, I mused about how much we are like that orange and white cat. Whenever God allows limitations to invade our lives, we frequently complain incessantly like Bob. Those painful limitations may be due to our own health issues or caring for loved ones with illness. Our work often places unrealistic demands on us, robbing us of any sense of satisfaction. Stress in family, personal, and business relationships can sap joy and peace from our beings.

Paul wrote in his second letter to the Corinthians, We are pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;…We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body (Berean Study Bible) . God will give us strength and endurance as we rely on Him when we find ourselves in uncomfortable, unexplainable circumstances. As we rely on Him and His infinite wisdom, instead of our own inadequate strategizing, we are astounded to see that just as the heavens are higher than the earth so are His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9).

Bob, undoubtedly, would have escaped from the “kitty carrier” if only the door had been left unlatched. Had the car door then opened, he would have scurried out. Even though it would have meant being on the highway, he might have bolted right out into traffic. He so detested the confines of the carrier, in his “cat” mind, escaping from it had to be an improvement over that horrible place. How often we want to avoid tough times even if it means getting into worse situations. Ironically, we also rush from a bad predicament to embroil ourselves in a even more perplexing difficulty.

The only way Bob likes this Pet Taxi. Bob, much
like we humans, fails to realize some discomfort
will eventually be much better for us down the road.

                In the Biblical account of Job, his wife encouraged Job to “curse God and die” when devastating calamity befell his livestock and children. Job indicated that was foolish thinking. He said if one welcomes the good that comes in life, shouldn’t the trials be accepted as well?

                Yet what a cherished promise from God to those who love Him and are seeking Him is found in Isaiah 41:10, Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Lord, when we are faced with stresses that press, squeeze, constrain, and nettle our very souls, let us lean wholeheartedly on You and rest in Your love that upholds us. Even when we don’t feel like it, may our trust in Your promised faithfulness sustain and uphold us. May this indominatable assurance during our trials bolster our faith in who You are and underpin us in the bedrock of the knowledge of Your power and presence in our lives.