“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11

This pretty kitty is one of three feral family members who have declared our office building’s back yard as their home. The reason there is only one kitty in the photo is because the rest of her family was at the vet getting fixed. The rest of her family was hungry enough to take the bait and spring their traps. They’ll return tomorrow. She, however, is having none of it. Instead, she has stubbornly gone for two days with very little food because she doesn’t want to go into the trap. It’s clear that she’s miserable. She’s paced, cried, and watched intently for her normal food source to appear. What she doesn’t know is that her problems would be solved if she would simply step into the trap. She would be able to eat. She’d be taken to the vet just long enough to remove her ability to make more feral babies. Then she’d be returned and released back into our yard, free to join her family and enjoy a steady source of food. Instead, she’s suffering and fighting. It’s not her fault; she just doesn’t know to trust that we’re doing what’s best for her.

As I’ve watched her for the past few days through the window, I’ve found my mind repeatedly wandering to our own fear and stubbornness in life. Is this what it’s like to watch us? How many times have we clung to what we know and want, fighting tooth and nail against changes that life throws our way…even though the new path will ultimately lead to our own good. It’s not our fault; we just don’t see the full picture and know to trust that life is doing what’s best for us.

Sure hope we catch her tomorrow. Stubborn little thing.