We moved into our new home, and were uncertain whether our beloved cat “Tom” would be able to go exploring without getting lost in the new environment. So we kept a careful watch on him for the first week, but eventually braved letting him out.
When he didn’t come back as quickly as usual, I began to feel worried. He finally showed up, but only after I went walking, calling for him up and down our street. I never saw him, but shortly after I gave up and came home, the kids discovered him at our door. He must have followed me there; I think he got our houses mixed up. After that, he never strayed far.
That was nearly six weeks ago. However, last week, after a night exploring, he came home looking like a wreck. We weren’t sure what happened, but his tail was matted and he walked with a limp.
We cleaned him up, and by morning he seemed to be himself again. Nevertheless, my kids decided that we should probably keep him inside from that point on. He’s getting older, and seems to be more forgetful. So one of my children put a sign on our front and back doors that said, “Don’t let Tom out”.
But one night, after the family was in bed, I noticed Tom sitting by the front door, longingly looking up at it. He seemed so sad and hopeful, waiting patiently for someone to notice and grant his freedom. He didn’t make a noise, or try to get eye contact, he just looked up at the door and waited. Should I let him out? What if he doesn’t come home? What will the kids think if we lose him or if he gets hurt again because I “broke the rule”? I took a chance. I couldn’t stand to see him just waiting there, trusting someone would grant his wish without granting it, so out he went.
Usually when he went out before bed, he’d be waiting by the door again by morning. My son usually left for school first, so when I came downstairs, I assumed Tom was already somewhere in the house.
But I didn’t see him all morning, and after running my errands all day, I began to wonder if he ever made it home. Worried that I’d be in trouble with my family for letting him out, I hesitated to ask if anyone had seen him. Eventually I became concerned enough to ask each of the kids: “Have you seen Tom?”
No, no sign.
By 8:00 pm I was seriously concerned. Nobody had seen him to let him in again, and I knew he must be hungry, if he was still out there somewhere. So I went to a quiet place and offered up a prayer. I imagined my cat downstairs crunching his cat food. I imagined seeing him at the bottom of the stairs, and me saying, “Well, there you are!” And I imagined how grateful I would feel knowing he was safely home. Picturing him back in the home put a smile on my face, so I knew I was ready to begin.
I spoke aloud:
“Dear Heavenly Father, I’m concerned about Tom. If it’s okay with you, will you please send some angels to go find him, and guide him home? I know you can hear me, and I know there are plenty of angels who are available, ready, and willing to help… [I imagined it again, and felt it again, as though it had happened] …thank you for bringing Tom home to us. He has been such a gift since he showed up 11 years ago.”
With that, I ended my prayer and chose not to worry. I imagined the angels on assignment looking for him. I also had a distinct thought, that they don’t magically wave their hand and – poof – he’s at the house, I thought maybe they didn’t immediately know where he was, either, and that they probably had to roam around a bit to find him. It made me think of the Law of Gestation. Maybe things take time, because the “unseen help” is, in many ways, just like us, and it can take time to do the things they’re trying to do. So I pictured them searching, and guiding him home… and even that put a smile on my face.
Fifteen minutes later I hear the front door open and my son yelled, “Tom’s back!”
That smile came back to my face, and I immediately knelt down and expressed my gratitude (again) for sending the help. These Rare Faith principles really do work, and they work – not just for the big things – but also for the simple, daily concerns like this one.
What if we approached our goals the way Tom approaches his? He doesn’t complain, he just focuses on his objective (literally, he just sits there looking at the door), and trusts that he’ll get the help he needs. Do you keep the image of what you want accomplished in view? Do you stay focused on it, with an expectant, trusting spirit? Or do you worry that your desires won’t be noticed? Do you beg and plead for them over and over again, while wondering what you’ll do if they aren’t met?
Try seeing your goal accomplished, and answer the question, “How will it feel when it is done?” But answer it with a feeling, not with words. Feel it. When you’ve done that, you’re ready to ask. Ask once. Then get back to your life and do what you can do for yourself. Trust that you’ve been heard. Trust that there is unseen help that cares about you, and is getting busy orchestrating the ideas, resources, and people you’ll need to accomplish it. Imagine that happening! And believe until it happens, even if it never does, don’t let YOU be the limiting factor. Your job is to believe. It will happen or it won’t. So what. Just make sure you did YOUR part.
I’d like to invite you to read more stories that help you build that belief. That’s what Portal to Genius was designed to do. Follow Richard and Felicity who are at the end of their financial rope, Morgan who needs a medical miracle for his son, and Ray who needs 4.5 million dollars by Wednesday. Be inspired as you see how each of them discover the key for themselves in Portal to Genius. (Read it FREE!)
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One Response
What an amazing story of faith …thank you so much for sharing it. I especially related to it because of my Toby who is an inside Cat.
However, it impacted me greatly because I am at a stage in my life where I need to tap into MASSIVE Faith.
Thanks Leslie.
Daphne