Take the Time

If a dog jumps into your lap it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing it is because your lap is warmer.
– A. N. Whitehead

We have a saying in our house that Jethro, our first cat, goes from person to person to “steal their warmth.”  At times, I find this annoying, particularly if I am trying type on the computer. Other times, I find it endearing, such as when he comes to snuggle up next to me in the chill of an early winter morning.

I suppose my response to my cat wanting to sit on top of me depends on what I am doing at that time. Even if Jethro is simply looking for a warm place to snooze, perhaps I should look at it as an opportunity to slow down, take a short break and enjoy the moment.

The pesty cat looking for attention makes me  think about some of the things in life I tend to ignore in the name of “getting something done.” The phone call from a sister when I am getting ready to leave the house; the text from my  son sharing something in his day; the knock on the door from the delivery man that sends the two dogs into a barking frenzy; and the countless other interruptions throughout the day.

Could these things be another way of showing me that I need to slow down a bit, pay attention to the little things for just a little while? I am going to consider that….right after I pet this purring cat of mine – I think he may really want more than just my warmth, I think he may need some undivided attention.

Take time out of your day to slow down, pet your cat, hug your child, appreciate your spouse.

Until next time,

~Karen