This would be an excellent sermon illustration if only it didn't deal with the defecatory habits of cats, which means that the only thing to do is to blog it.
For the last week I have been at my wits' end as Joseph has been putting the bathroom to what is arguably its proper use for humans but not for cats. Since he is a dictatorial and demanding animal I had assumed that he was protesting at the amount of time I'm out and so not able to give him the attention he believes he deserves. Having disinfected the bathroom daily I was getting very fed up with his dirty protest and he, in turn, was getting fed up with being grabbed, shown the evidence and shouted at.
Things were taking their usual course last night when I suddenly had a moment of vision, a flashback to last Wednesday when I entertained a friend tolunch, together with her three-year-old son who was intrigued by the cat flap and amused himself by locking and unlocking it repeatedly. As I headed for the bathroom with Joseph, who was howling as only an indignant Siamese can, I suddenly seemed to hear J. saying, in a tone of great satisfaction: "Now the cat can't go outside". So I dropped Joseph (more indignation), rushed upstairs (I have an upside-down flat) and, sure enough, the cat flap in the back door was locked. Of course, I was mortified and full of guilt as having misjudged Joseph, who had in fact been doing his best in very difficult circumstances - although I did wonder why he couldn't have done as any sensible moggy would have and simply banged his head against the locked catflap a couple of times rather than glowering from the back of the sofa in a sinister and embittered Oriental sort of way which was what made me think he was protesting about my behaviour rather than about J's little joke.
Anyway all is now well and Joseph and I have forgiven each other -- in fact all through last night he woke me up at intervals nuzzling my hand and asking to be stroked in a very endearing fashion. Which just goes to show that it is important to examine all the possibilities before deciding who is to blame when something goes wrong! Although I do wish he wouldn't walk on the key board when i'm trying to blog.....
Poor old Joseph - I think you're right that that would make an excellent illustration for all sorts of sermons - patience, longsuffering, forgiveness .....!
Posted by: Jackie | February 22, 2007 at 04:46 PM
He he, I found your blog! When I have more time I'll have to read them all!
Posted by: Helen Williams | March 14, 2007 at 02:49 PM