I’ve had a good deal of sad news come my way lately. But I’m not quite ready to dive into all of that. So tonight I’m going to tell you a good “Sunday-night” story. It’s one of those heart-warmers.
A little backstory is required to fully appreciate this tale. Just a bit.
First, my sister-in-law, her husband and two kids are amazing. I’m blessed to have a sister and brother-in-law that set such an amazing Christian example for me. When I think about how I want to raise my future-hypothetical-children I pretty much want to follow right in their footsteps.
Next they live on a farm and have only in the past couple years have they started to be okay with the idea of barn cats {at their daughter’s continued pleading.}
Finally…there has only been one cat that wandered into their lives that they really liked. His name is Patches and he adores them. He would lay in the snow and ice on their front steps…just anxiously waiting someone to come out and pet him.
So, the story begins. Patches went missing. Three weeks missing. And in farm life terms that pretty much translates to “Patches is gone for good.” Coyotes, cars or a person who stumbled upon the world’s most loving cat could all be possible culprits for the loss.
But the fact remained that Patchy was gone.
And for some reason their daughter finally came to this realization one night. I guess maybe it had something to do with the fact that I had asked her that day where she thought he’ gone or if he was coming back. At any rate, she broke down hard. She was torn up, as any child would be…when the only cat your family has ever liked has just disappeared and is not coming back.
Upset by his daughter’s deep sadness, Mark went outside after putting her to bed and began to pray. The prayer was simple and bold.
God, I don’t know why Grace is so upset tonight. But she loves that cat and her heart is broken. My kids really did love that pet and I know you love them. So…I don’t know where that cat has gone off to…but I do know that you can bring it back, even if it’s dead somewhere.
Direct, sincere, heartfelt, bold. The way we should all pray. I love that I have a bro that can lead by example. Instead of telling his girl to get over it “It’s just a cat,” or just getting a new one…he prayed. He had compassion for his daughter’s feelings and asked God to amend a situation that was out of his control.
Here’s the ending to the story. The next day, the first time the kids went outside…there was Patches. Home.
God hears our prayers and he knows our hearts. He knows when we need a win, when we need a little hope. And He always delivers. He cares for you, me….even barn cats.
Amy
PS –The photo above was taken the day after Patches amazing return. Now they are a little more lenient on letting him inside!
