The barn was home to cows and horses and the black mommy cat. There were plenty of large rats and some black snakes which dined on the rats provided they got to them before "Black
Cat" did.
One cold winter evening as dad was looking after the livestock, he heard Black Cat's pitiful cry. Dad was not known to be a cat lover, however, he did appreciate her efforts to keep the rat population under control. As she continued to cry a very mournful sound dad was drawn to the hay manger where she had made a nest to keep her just born babies warm during the cold winter night. When dad looked into the manger where the heart wrenching cries came from, he fixed his eyes on the reason for her cries. She had given birth to three tiny kittens but to her sorrow, two were dead. Dad removed the two and tried to improve the warmth and comfort of the cat's hurried made nest. Feeling a little good about himself, dad made his way to the house safe from the chill of the winter night. He settled into his favorite chair with the Ashville Citizen in front of the glowing fire. As he engrossed himself in the Citizen, he waited for supper which mom was preparing. He heard that same mournful cry which he had heard in the barn. How could it be, he left her in the barn. He continued to read. There it is again and so near. He lowered the paper and looked toward the sound and his eyes were telling him something he could hardly believe. There she stood with her only little offspring lying at her feet. Dad never allowed cats in the house and true to form he stomped his foot and said, "get, get out of here." She did not move one inch but continued to cry for help. After repeated attempts to get her to take her kitten and go dad rose from his chair and walked toward her but she did not move. It was like she had nerves of steel which she had never demonstrated before. He stepped past her and into the kitchen and asked mom, "did you let that cat in?" Mom replied "I heard her outside the door and let her in."
"Do you know where I can find a box and some old rags," he asked. "Look in the can room," mom replied. After finding the box he fashioned yet another nest and placed it near kitchen range. He gently placed the little guy inside where he was joined by his nursing mother. He did not put her out the next day, nor the next month. That box was home to her and the kitten until he was weaned and mature enough to be on his own after which time she went back to her home in the barn and left her son in the "Big House." We affectionately called him "Tab" and dad allowed him to stay in the house. Tab had truly been gifted to live in the big house instead of the barn.
In a small way, that is like we are. We live in this old dangerous world and then someone brings to the One who can change our destiny. One day we will move from here to the House prepared for us above. Jesus said, "In My Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you...that where I am you may be also."
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