Clive, my 23-pound tabby hunk of feline love, teaches me life lessons every day. I thought it was high time that I shared his words with you.

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I comfort my parents when they don’t feel good. Today my mom had to lie down because she wasn’t feeling well. I can always tell, somehow. I know I just need to lay there with her, and  I gently lick her hands. I then nestle my head in her hand, and go to sleep with her. I know that just my presence and companionship helps her rest comfortably.

I serve as a second alarm clock. Sometimes my parents are still tired when they know it is time to get up early in the morning during the week. Daddy comes to wake me up and to let me out of my room because I wake up easier than mommy does. Then, he goes back and gently snuggles with her to make starting the day seem a little easier. The only problem is, that when he is still tired, sometimes he falls back asleep when he gets back in bed to comfort her. But, thankfully, I know that they are supposed to be up.

I meow at the door and tell them it is time for our morning couch time. That’s when we read Scripture and pray over our day, and listen to what God may be saying to us. If they don’t hear me meow, I jump up on the bed, climb on top of them and meow in their ears. Then, they finally get up, and our day can get started.

I make happy noises when I sleep, encouraging my parents to rest when they need it. Many cats are nocturnal, but I am not. Once it is dark and I have enjoyed my evening meal, I want go to sleep. My parents, on the other hand, begin to write their blogs. They sit up in their bed, and I lie at their feet. I make happy noises as I dream about them petting me, enjoying another meal or maybe having other courageous cat adventures. I think that when they see me relaxed and comfortable, it makes them want to finish. They are reminded to push through what they have to get done, but to also remember that only so much can be done in a day. Soon they finish their blogs—and call it a night.

I have done my part once again.

Applications for Life

Some days—especially on the weekends—your “part” may be rest and recovery. Even if you are up against a deadline, you may be best served by recharging your batteries. What recharges you? What do you find restful? Do you have enough “scheduled” rest time? The alarm clock of Monday morning or other times of “must do now” will inevitably come, so take down time as often as you need it. After all, Clive does!

Spiritual Insight

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2, NIV).

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Loral, in addition to being Clive’s mom, does her part as  a professional writer and editor. She helps authors and businesses get whatever message is in their heads out to their target audiences. If you need help crafting a creative campaign, evaluating your content or completing a book, blog or other materials, check out her services at cowriterpro.com.