Cat in the Window

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:11-13

“Can I get a hoverboard, Mom?” Olive pointed to a picture on her computer screen. “I found one online that doesn’t cost too much.”

“And the shoes I’ve been wanting are on sale,” said Matt, holding up his tablet. “Everyone’s wearing them! Please can I get a pair?”

Mom shook her head. “You both just got a bunch of Christmas presents last week.”

“But, Mom!” the kids said in unison.

Mom cut them off. “Now it’s my turn to get something. I’ve been waiting forever to replace that old car I’ve been driving around!”

Just then they heard a noise coming from the window. “Meowrrr!” whined Simon, their cat.

Matt laughed. “Simon’s watching those birds out in the front yard again.”

“Come here, Simon,” Olive said. “Don’t you know by now that you can’t get at them through the window? Come play with me instead.” She picked up one of his cat toys and squeaked it. Simon didn’t even look at Olive or the toy. The cat’s tail twitched in frustration as he stared intently at the birds he couldn’t reach. Olive sighed. “Simon is making himself miserable by longing for something he can’t have.”

Mom gave her a thoughtful smile. “Well, I guess we can’t hold it against him. We’re all doing the same thing!”

Olive and Matt looked at each other. “We are?” asked Matt.

Mom nodded. “We’re all fixated on things we want and ignoring what we already have.”

“You mean like the gifts we got last week?” Olive asked.

“Well, yes, but we have much more than that,” Mom replied. “We’re acting a lot like Simon, who has a loving family that provides for him and wants to spend time with him, but all his attention is focused on those birds. We have a loving Father who provides for all our needs—not only food to eat and a place to live, but all the good things that come through His Son, Jesus. Hope, peace, forgiveness, eternal life, and a relationship with God Himself, who promises to never leave us. What could be better than that?”

Olive grinned. “Nothing—not even a hoverboard!”

“Or a new car,” added Mom.

Matt put down his tablet. “Come on, Olive . Let’s go play that new game we got for Christmas.”

– Sherry L. Kuyt

How About You?

Do you spend a lot of time wishing you could have things that seem out of reach? Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, you can enjoy all the things God has given you. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He’s given you peace, hope, and eternal life, and He promises to always be with you and provide you with everything you need. Be content in Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”

Today’s Key Thought:

Be content