Last post you got a glimpse of our wild, African safari. This week’s fare is somewhat less intimidating although still a bit wild at times. Meet Patches Sauder:
Ellie's baby boy!
This is the Sauder family’s first-ever, real-live, honest-to-goodness PET! I know he looks an awful lot like a kitten, but what you’re really looking at here, folks, is a small miracle.
Other than a brief incident involving the rescue and temporary housing of Tom the Turtle (which I must add, did not turn out well), our kids have endured a pet-less childhood. Over the years they’ve wished and dreamed and hoped. Kurt and I almost caved on several occasions. Envisioning a puppy popping from a ribbon tied box on Christmas morning nearly cracked open the door of our parentally practical resistance a time or two. Once, we actually put in a call to a family needing to find a good home for their beloved husky. Close shave, but another good home found him first.
No we’ve never had pets; we’ve had allergies. Out of the six of us there’s a fairly equal distribution of those who swell up, turn red, leak fluids and stop breathing in the company of dogs and those who do just about the same when paired with friendly felines. In truth, even Tom the Turtle sent the family into a sneezing, wheezing frenzy.
So, when Ellie spotted the cutest-ever kitten you’ve ever in your whole life seen (pretty much her exact description) on a farmhouse front porch, I found myself dialing daddy’s number. Never truly expecting Kurt to give the green light, Ellie presented her case which included many positives, not the least of which involved mole and mice removal. Patches rode home with us that very day.
Ferocious beasts stalking the open plains of Kenya’s Mara reveal the imagination, majesty and power of our Creator God. Patches, the garage kitty, demonstrates the Father’s character as well.As we care for Mr. Patch, daily providing his food and water, we’re reminded of our Abba’s promise to supply our daily bread. Snuggling a purring Patches curled up in our lap prompts gratitude for the Lord’s tender care and compassion for us, His little ones. Teaching him to play gently without scratching or biting requires a great deal of patience, something our Heavenly Father models so well.
All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all. by Cecil Alexander
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