by Debbie on August 31, 2010
When we first adopted our cat Moon, he was our "shop" kitty. We had another cat at home that did not socialize very well with other cats, therefore we settled for letting Moon's new home be our business. It took a while for Moon to adjust to his new home but he seemed to do well as long as we were there with him. I hated to leave him alone on the weekends but I always made sure he had plenty of water and food. I would go visit with him on Sunday's after church and let him outside for some fresh air. He never seemed to want the fresh air as much as he wanted to just spend time being near me, having me pet him and talk to him. It was quickly becoming apparent to me that Moon did not like being left alone. We eventually decided to take Moon home with us and introduce him to our other cat. The transition and introduction went much better than we had expected. For a while we would take Moon back and forth to work with us each day but he soon began to meow loudly each time he had to go to work as if to say "I don't want to go to work today, please let me stay at home with my new friend." We caught on and began to leave him at home with our other cat. It worked out very well except for one thing. During the very early morning hours Moon began to come and sit on my chest and gently nudge my face with his paw wanting me to spend time just petting him and talking to him. One early morning hour with Moon sitting on my chest, the Lord spoke two words to me that helped me better understand why Moon was doing this. The words He spoke were "attention deficient". I began to understand that Moon needed more attention than he was getting and he was making sure that he got it from me even if he had to wake me up to get it. After about 10 to 15 minutes of my stroking and petting him he goes back to his bed.
Moon's gentle nudges during the morning hours remind me of the Holy Spirit gently nudging me at times to get up and spend time with God. God likes my attention too. He also likes yours. Are you giving God the attention that he wants? I try to spend time with God in the early morning hours because I need his attention and I know he wants mine. The early morning hours are my most peaceful times and it seems God speaks more often to me in the early part of the day or perhaps I am just listening more for his voice.
Psalm 5:3
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.
Psalm 88:13
But I cry to you for help, O LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.
Psalm 90:14
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Psalm 143:8
Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Isaiah 50:4
The Sovereign LORD has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens me to listen like one being taught.
Mark 1:35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
I have to admit that I don't like being awaken by my cat Moon. To be honest I would much rather sleep. However he is so persistent and obviously has a great need for my attention. Moon was abandoned by his previous owner and left alone to basically take care of himself but God put him with me so that I could take care of him and provide his needs. It just so happens that one of his needs is lots of attention. He does not like being left alone. He is like my shadow. He follows me wherever I go. Everyone is amazed by how much he loves me. Somehow Moon knows that I am the one that will take care of him. He has learned that I love him and will make sure he is safe and that he is well taken care of. I am so thankful to be able to give him the attention that he needs and wants.
I can certainly say that when I feel the nudge from the Holy Spirit to get up early to spend time with God, I sometimes would much rather sleep, but I know that I need his attention and he wants mine. So I get up and make time for him because he is the one who can meet all my needs. I hope you will pay attention to the gentle nudging from the Holy Spirit and wake up early and spend time with God. The truth is we are all "attention deficient" just like Moon. We want attention and the best place to get it is from our Master. Make it a point to spend time with Jesus every morning and he will give you the attention that you greatly desire. Then you will be able to give your attention to the things and people in your life that so greatly need your attention. Look around you and you too will see those who are wanting attention from you. Is it your children? Is it your spouse? Is it your pets? Is it your job? Is it your elderly parents? Is it yourself? Is it God? Don't continue to be "attention deficient" any longer! Be as persistent as my cat Moon and get the attention that you need from God so that you are able to give those around you and yourself the attention that is so needed.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you are available for me and want to give me the attention that I need. Thank you that you never sleep and that I can come to you anytime to receive your love and attention. I know that I too am "attention deficient" and I want to make sure that I get my attention deficient met by you instead of something that will only leave me more empty. Thank you that you too want and desire my attention. Help me to get up early and spend time with you in prayer and reading your word so that I can receive your attention and be able to give my attention to others who are in need of it such as my children, spouse, friends, parents, pets, myself or others who are attention deficient. Thank you for providing all my needs, especially attention! In Jesus name, Amen.
