Popular wisdom says that dogs have owners while cats have staff. That’s undoubtedly why dogs come when they’re called and cat’s take a message and get back with you later.
When I recently heard a speaker compare entries from a dog’s journal and a cat’s journal, I knew I had to do a little research so I could share it here.
Entries in a dog’s journal:
8:00 AM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 AM – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 AM – OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 AM – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 AM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 PM- OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 PM – OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 PM – ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 PM – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 PM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 PM – OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!
Entries in a cat’s journal:
DAY 752 – My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.
DAY 761 – Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair…must try this on their bed.
DAY 765 – Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was…Hmmm. Not working according to plan.
DAY 768 – I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time, however, it included a burning foamy chemical called “shampoo.” What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.
DAY 771 – There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
DAY 774 – I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of time……
In these stressful times it’s hard not slip into a “cat” attitude. To avoid it, we have to work a little harder to be truly grateful for what we have in life. Clearly our country has significant economic problems. As if these problems weren’t enough, media outlets magnify them and undermine consumer confidence with the constant drum beat of negative reporting. And this is a case where the reporting may be causing the problem to grow worse.
So it’s worth focusing a bit less on media hysteria and a little more on the things we can actually control. And most of all, like the dog, we must focus our thoughts on our “favorite” things – our spouse, our kids, our families, our friends.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians:4:8
Earlier this morning I was listening to a recording of Kristen Stapp singing Andrew Peterson’s song, A Labor of Love.
It’s hard not to be impressed with Rick Warren’s thoughtful response to the question about what he would pray for President-elect Barack Obama. What impressed me was that Rick Warren was humble enough to realize that he has exactly the same needs.
