| Psalm 119:147 – ”I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.” |
I start work at 6 AM, so my alarm is set for 5. Because I work from home, I don’t need to worry about getting dressed up or commuting.
I have a rescue cat named Molly, who is very quirky and demanding. She has not learned to read a clock, of course, and insists that 3:30 AM is the correct time to wake me up and for me to feed her. She will sit by my bed and ‘talk’ to me, but when that does not get the results she wants, she will run and jump on me, or dive onto me from the headboard. She continues to cry and bug me until I finally give up and feed her. It doesn’t matter how much food is already in her bowl – if she can see the bottom, she freaks out. Of course, by now we are both awake and she thinks it’s playtime. I can be known to be a bit grumpy during this daily routine, wishing she could figure out how to wait a while for breakfast. Before long, it’s 5 AM and my alarm goes off, and I must get up for real to get ready for the day.
How many times have I been awake in the middle of the night and worried about a problem? I get burdened with family situations, health issues, financial concerns, fears of the future – and have been on my knees crying to God for guidance and for a way through the difficult times. My hope is in him, and he does not care whether it is day or night. He doesn’t tell me it’s too early, or to learn how to read a clock – and he doesn’t care that my food bowl (the Bible) is already overflowing with truth and love. He patiently listens to my cries and wraps his arms around me, comforting me with words of love and hope.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for always being available when I need you – whether it is 3 AM or 3 PM or anywhere in between. Help me to show the same consideration and compassion to others, whether human or feline. Amen.
– Betty Gossell
