My husband and I moved to seven different cities over a ten-year period as he pursued his career. Unlike the old adage states, I found the third time was not the charm. Neither was the fourth, fifth or sixth I didn’t “do” change very well. I would grumble and complain, and become anxious of the unknown. Then, my pets’ behavior taught me some important lessons to remember whenever I face uncertainty.
Each time we moved, we developed a routine. When we heard the rumbling diesel engine of the moving van and the hiss of its brakes, we’d each grab a cat and lock them into the bathroom, along with their litter pan, food and water. We’d then post a sign on the door — Do Not Enter. Cats inside.
At first we’d hear a questioning, “Mew?” Then would come the scratching on the other side of the door. The meows would become a bit more emphatic. A paw would appear under the threshold. Rattle, rattle. But, as soon as they heard the strange voices, the unfamiliar thud pattern of men’s feet, and the sound of shrink wrap winding around our furniture, they’d honker down and become quiet. They knew we kept them safe from whatever went on beyond that door.
Observing them showed me three things. First and foremost, I am not in control. Someone bigger and wiser than me is. Proverbs 3:5 states *Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…* If God closes me in and blocks my path, it is for a reason. Whatever is going on beyond my limited sight is not something I need to become involved in. There is no sense in me rattling the door if it is not yet time for me to have it opened. I need to calm down, and wait.
Secondly, I am being protected from the chaos outside that door. When I don’t know what is going on in my life, I have learned to cling to John 13:7— *Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”* Whatever is being prepared on the other side of this current chaotic time is not within my realm of control. I don’t want to be underfoot. It is better for me to stay put until the confusion dies down. When the time is right, God will open the door into the new situation He is preparing for me.
Thirdly, God will provide for my needs in the meantime, just as we provided food, water and the litter box for our pets. Paul told Timothy in his first letter to instruct the people *to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.*(I Timothy 6:17) Like my pets, I need to trust my Master has my best interests at heart. I am in this closed of place for a reason. He has not forgotten about me and has provided for my immediate needs. Even though I cannot see Him, I trust He has my best interests in mind.
When we got to the new place, it would be initially unsettling 
for us as well as our pets, but there would soon be familiarity and routine again as well as the excitement of exploring the new surroundings. Some things might be better than before, or not. But one thing remained certain. We’d be there to care for our cats and help them adapt.
Pets are wise. They adjust. They know being with their master is the most important thing. All else may not be permanent, but their master’s love is.
My mother had a plaque in her home which read, “Faith is not hope without proof but trust without reservations.” My felines are living proof of the truth of that statement. They have learned to trust me. The more I care for them, provide for them, and show them I love them, the deeper that trust grows.
The same is true of my walk with my Lord. No matter how many times He moves me into uncertain circumstances, I know I am being cared for in the meantime and eventually it will all work out.
for other examples of why doors close, consider my Bible study, Between the Window and the Door.
This passage in my daily reading hit me in the way a punch in the gut snatches your breath. Scripture talks of making paths straight. What does that mean? I am learning.
We are entering what many consider one of the most stressful times of the year. Funny, how it began as a way to celebrate” Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Mankind”, isn’t it? Yet with the holidays come not only joy and frivolity, but economic worry, the unrealistic expectations of a greeting card time with family, and an onset of blues over the ones who are not here to join us this year. Couple that with not eating right, over-partying, and dashing around to find the perfect gift for everyone, and it can become a time bomb waiting to explode.
Where Did You Find God Today? 