Go to the Cat

As you perhaps know, we are a two cat, one dog family. If you were to read the Teen Drama Queen's blog, you would also know that one member of our family is lobbying strongly for a hamster. But I digress. What I want to discuss today is a parallel to the Biblical admonition, "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!" Proverbs 6:6. Now if God thought there was wisdom to be gained through considering an insect, it is quite possible a cat could teach us a lesson as well.

Just the other night, I was painfully observing my children get upset at each other over the most infinitesimally insignificantly miniscule offenses! I told them, "Come on you guys, be like Squiggy, not like Jinx!" There you have it -- how wise is that?

I guess for the true wisdom of this advice to be fully appreciated, you need to know just a bit about our cats. Squiggy is not easily offended. Jinx is. Squiggy is not bothered by anything. Jinx is bothered by everything. Squiggy, as shown to the right, could have been pretty disgruntled in this picture. After all, Michelle had squeezed him into a doll vest that made him look utterly ridiculous. Even the dog seemed to realize this. He might as well have been wearing a big "kick me" sign. Was Squiggy affronted? Not a bit. Jinx, on the other hand, would have scratched Michelle silly.

This is one mello cat. We have not yet discovered a way to make Squiggy upset -- not that we're trying of course, it just seems that we have made this discovery effortlessly when it comes to everyone else! Our furry little critter is no martyr -- he is one contented kitty. Kind of a feline "don't worry, be happy" approach.

Furthermore, Squiggy's approach to others is very gentle. Though he wrestles regularly with Beamer (our dog), even lying in wait to ambush him unaware, he always pads his claws and never sends Beamer running in fear. And believe me, thanks to Jinx, Beamer has more than a healthy respect for cat claws. Squiggy could have Beamer cowering in a split-second should he so desire. He is the same way in his treatment of the humans in the family, except for the fact that he doesn't ambush us. Not easily offended, gentle with others and loving life besides. What a rare combination!

In conclusion, if you are a sluggard, go to the ant for a lesson. Squiggy would have nothing useful to offer on that subject. However, if you find yourself easily ruffled, "Go to the cat thou thin-skinned mortal; consider his ways and be wise."