Sunday, April 17, 2011

Do You Get Territorial?

My One-Eyed cat, Jack, taught me something else last night.  You can read his whole journey of healing here: Jack's Story

Are you ready to see something strange and wonderful about these little cats?  Well, they each choose a child to "protect" in the night.  Louie curls up by the oldest daughter, and Jack guards the youngest.  Every night at bedtime, they assume their posts in each respective bedroom.  It's been this way all year. 

Last night, the girls want to have a sleepover in the oldest daughter's bed.  Jack innocently follows the youngest wherever she happens to be sleeping.  But Louie is the alpha male cat, and this is his territory.  Normally, he'll hiss and claw at Jack if he even dares to approach the bed.

Jack has an assignment, though.  He's on a mission to guard the youngest, so he dutifully curls up at her feet right next to where Louie guards the oldest.

A staring contest ensues.  Jack's one eye doesn't even blink. 

Finally, Louie recognizes Jack's purpose here.  No fighting, no clawing.

As I tuck the girls in for the night, I realize that Jack has a specific role now that everyone acknowledges and supports.  And in the midst of this service, enemies are brought together.

There's something more important than our need to control or our need to be territorial. Jack knows this.  He risked the danger to do what he was supposed to do.  And Louie let him, risking his own position and power. 

And in case you're wondering where Snowflake serves in the midst of all this, well, she's recovering from a Bridal Shower where she sat peacefully on the couch in a bridal veil.

And then she came to sleep at my feet. 


___________________
Journal:  Am I afraid to do certain things because it's someone's "territory?"  Do I need to let others serve even if I think they are in my "territory?"

5 comments:

A View From Serenity Acres said...

Wonderful food for thought Heather. I fear that I do become territorial at times when others accomplish something I wanted to accomplish first. Sounds childish doesn't it? Yet, it is a part of my competitive nature that I have to repeatedly give to the Lord in repentance. I guess it comes from my own insecurity in who I am in Jesus Christ. When my significance is fastened to Him, I do not fear another person's achievement. However, when I give into the flesh, I easily become annoyed at the success of someone whom I feel encroached upon my territory.
Thanks for the wonderful post today. I needed that!

Dianna said...

I always enjoy reading about Jack. This is a very interesting post!
I'm glad they both worked it out so they could continue their "guard-work"!

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of my big dog, who when felt threatened, would stand in front of me to protect me, but behind my husband to protect him!

Melissa said...

I love it! Your cats are awesome :)
Miss u!
melis

jenny_o said...

Lovely thoughts, very applicable to our lives. Snowflake is a dear in that veil!