How do you view the prospect of change? It can seem exciting for many as they look forward with eager anticipation to the next new experience and all it will bring to them. And for others? It can fill them with dismay and become something to be feared, because change has potential to be such an unwelcome intrusion into our lives.
The longer we stay in one place, maintain a fixed mindset or refuse to move with the times, the harder accepting and adapting to change can become. And it’s often those whose circumstances keep them glued to a place, stuck fast in their ways, who need (or are forced to endure) a regular routine, who can become wary and weary of doing things differently.
Though unlike cats, who are thought to be gifted with nine lives, we only have one wild and precious life, as Mary Oliver so famously said, and need wisdom in how to live it well. Being overly cautious doesn’t seem the best approach to take if it means we’re living in a limited, less than trusting way.
In my poetic responses to my inventive, creative friend, Kat Myrman’s ‘Twittering Tales’ photo prompt this week, I couldn’t help but focus on the potential challenges facing this imaginary woman with a cat on her lap. I’ve lived long enough to lose quite a few friends and family members, sat with death and disease frequently as a nurse, and come face to face with my own limitations on a daily basis.
Tired, sweetly supine in her
arms, this dear feline friend
remains more faithful than
the rest, whom time and age
gradually removed, dispersed
(140 characters)
She didn’t want to go, leave
this house and home, for who
else would know how to take
care of her darling cat or give
her such loving attention?
(140 characters)
Then I found myself going in a more playful direction here…
She stroked him under the chin
and chuckled deep within, for
none could know this cat now
in sweet repose was none
other than a witch’s familiar
(140 characters)
I’m grateful above all things in this fast paced, ever-changing world for the fact that God changes not. He remains reliably faithful, trustworthy, unchangeable, loving, kind and gracious toward us. We may not always be able to see the way ahead but we can always trust the One who is holding us.
Poetry Joy 
Do you have a cat, Joy? The faithfulness of pets can be such a blessing. Thank you for these great poems and for your other encouraging thoughts. This especially grasped my attention – “We may not always be able to see the way ahead but we can always trust the One who is holding us.” I love the Lamentations verse. I just read it at someone else’s post and was thanking God that His compassions are new every morning. Now He again confirms it to my heart. 🙂 Love and hugs to you!
We used to have a cat, Trudy, very similar to the sandy coloured one in the main photo (which is of a neighbour’s cat) and also a grey and black tabby as well later on. And though I miss them both, we seem to have become accustomed now to a cat-less home! i’m so glad I was prompted to include the verses from Lamentations and have been a means of reminding you of God’s compassion and faithfulness. It’s lovely when things are gently drawn to our attention like that. Love and hugs to you! xo ❤
Dear Joy, I loved these words that you penned to match the cat picture! I had a cat very similar to the one in the story when I was growing up. She was my best companion, after both of my big brothers moved away to college. Thanks for bringing back such sweet memories of a “dear feline friend.” And thank you even more for your ending thought: “We may not always be able to see the way ahead but we can always trust the One who is holding us.” Once again, your words are just what I needed to hear, Dear Friend! xoxo
Dear Bettie, after a bad start to the day, I really didn’t think I was going to be able to write anything, and then some inspiration came! Our feline friends are to be cherished, though I don’t have any these days. But they prove to be a comforting presence, don’t they? Trials of including certain pets at homes for the elderly have shown a marked improvement in the mood and general liveliness of the residents. It seems they truly appreciate their presence and the chance to take care of and befriend them. I’m thinking my post was more for others than myself, which is exactly as it should be! Though God usually wants me to pay attention to the words He gives me, as well as sharing them on the blog. I’m guessing it works that way for you too? xoxo
Lovely thoughts Joy. Change can be daunting, though I see it most often as an adventure. Peace in the journey. ❤
Kat, it doesn’t surprise me to hear you see change as more of an adventure than anything! You have such a youthful, optimistic outlook on life. I’m a bit different in general, though I can’t quite believe all the positive changes to my life over the last few years since joining social media, writing on two blogs and completing a book! They have helped enormously in making me see that not all change is threatening, daunting or unwelcome, even if it may be challenging. Peace and blessings to you, my friend. ❤
I have only been blogging for a year and a half, but I love it. And it has given me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone. I will be doing a live reading of three of my poems this Thursday with a local writer’s group. Nervous, but so excited! 😊
Really, Kat? I would never have known you are fairly new to blogging, because you seem so secure and confident! It took me far longer to establish myself and develop an engaged readership. These words echo how I feel about sharing my words in a public sphere: “it has given me the confidence to step outside of my comfort zone.” Yes, there’s nothing quite like it, is there? A live reading sounds wonderful…well done, you! Hope all goes swimmingly. I bet they’ll love you (and your words), my friend! xo ❤
I have been writing for years. But never in such a public forum. I’ll let you know how the reading goes. 🙂
Same here, Kat. It took a lot of courage to begin to share my work. I love the wide variety of poetry and snippets of fiction that you offer on your blog. It’s an inspiration! Do let me know how you get on with the poetry reading. xo
thanks Joy–words to ponder!
You’re most welcome, Nancie! I loved pondering your ruminations this week. Bless you, my friend. xo
Reblogged this on Pastor Michael Moore's Blog and commented:
Change, Life, and the God who is with us!
I love your succinct summing up of this post, Michael! Maybe I should have titled it “Change, Life and the God who is with us”? Thank you so much for sharing it with your readers. Bless you, Brother. 🙂 x
Your neighbor’s cat looks just like my Aslan! I enjoyed your poems, as always, dear friend. Have a blessed week.
Aahh.. you have an Aslan, how lovely! it’s a great name for a cat. Thank you for your sweetly encouraging words, June. I always appreciate you stopping by, dear friend! Abundant blessings to you. xo ❤
So cute. I’ve always been a cat lover.
That doesn’t surprise me, Tara! You have such a warm, friendly sensitive heart, ideal for a pet/cat lover. Bless you, my friend. xo
Joy,
I love how you took the prompt in three different directions. And Lamentations 3:22-23 are verses I love to remind myself of often…blessings to you 🙂
Dolly, it’s lovely to see you here, my friend! Thank you so much for stopping by to offer sweet encouragement. I’m glad you liked the different versions! Blessings to you. xo 🙂
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