Strays......

While house/dog sitting at my dear daughters house, one of my tasks was to feed the stray cat for her mom-in-law next door. The needy kitty is a beautiful little grey ball of fur.... Now, don't get me wrong, I don't dislike cats, I am just not a cat lperson. First of all, I am allergic and second, I just never felt the need to get cozy with one.

Like a good kitty sitter, I fed the little guy like clockwork on the 1st day. On the 2nd morning when I was heading out the front doo,r Mr. Cat (a name lovingly given by my grandson), was out there waiting for me and meowing at the top of his lungs. I have never heard a hungry cat before so the sound kinda freaked me out.  It was not pleasant.

I was running a few minutes late, no time to get sidetracked, and I wanted to ignore him and just get in my car and go.... I mean he could wait til I got home right???? I mean he IS a stray, someone else is probably feeding him too don't you think?

Wow, I couldn't believe I really thought about walking away and leaving him there without any food in his bowl.  I stopped, unlocked the door and went back in to get Mr. Cat's food. The crazy cat sound stopped and the kitty was in food heaven, his belly full until it was time for me to feed him again.

On the way to work, I was CONVICTED, and I got to thinking. Don't we (yes me) usually pass by the person on the corner asking for food, or turn our head when walking past a homeless person sleeping in a bus stop, or thinking maybe we can't afford to put our normal offering in the plate at church this week. Someone else will take care of them right?????

Yep all of those things have happened to me before - and maybe to you....

How should I respond to these situations? Well, I know I would not put myself in danger by waking up the homeless man that is sleeping in the bus stop, but maybe next time I won't turn my head. I WILL notice him. I could stop and give money to the person standing on the corner, or maybe just take something out of MY lunch box and hand it to them. And it has been a LONG time since I decided not to put my normal amount in the offering plate, because I know that money is important to the ministry of the church.

Aren't we all just strays in some way? We all need something, or someone at times. And how will we feel if someone turns away, or drives on by without even noticing?

I didn't forget to feed Mr. Cat again. And in the future, I hope I stop and notice those in need and help in some way when I am able, and not think about it until it is too late, but just stop and do it.

I have linked this post to Tuesday's Unwrapped over at Chatting At The Sky so grab a cup of coffee, sit back, relax and visit some of these other gals.

Be Blessed.