For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16
When I started dating my hubby, I was not used to cats at all. I grew up in a household where cats weren’t looked at too fondly. I was the odd one out. You give me an animal, any animal, and I get excited! I simply was ignorant about a cat’s behavior. I mistakenly believed that cats were all sneaky, spooked easily, and would scratch you without much reason. Sure, a few can be like that, but they can also be absolutely fantastic.
I learned the beauty of cats the first time I was visiting my hubby’s family. I was sitting on the floor when all of a sudden, I had a cat in my lap! After looking up with big eyes thinking I was about to get mauled or something, I asked what he was doing. I was reassured he was friendly, although I don’t think he was usually quite so friendly, and I pretty much fell in love…with the cat!
That precious cat was also a jealous cat! He could’ve cared less that I was taking some of his family’s attention, but he didn’t like it when they had mine. If my hubby tried to sit close to me, Mr. Chaperone would push him out of the way and return to my side. I didn’t realize cats could give dirty looks, but I believe this one did…to his own family members (especially my hubby). The best part would be when he turned back to me with an angelic look on his face asking for attention.
We found out his true jealous nature after I went on a trip to bring a couple puppies to his house. I was outside snuggling, holding, and loving on them that day when he peaked his head out to see what was going on. Looking back, I realized that he didn’t bother coming over to me like he usually did. He just turned around in disgust.
It was a little odd that I didn’t get a greeting from my buddy when I went into the house, but I didn’t think much of it until I was getting ready to leave. I had a nice, shiny black car when I arrived. When I left I didn’t own a nice, shiny black car. I owned a car with dusty cat prints all over it! I’ve heard of cats walking over a car, but this was something entirely different.
I could just picture it… He went outside and found an area that contained quite a bit of dirt. He took those paws and rubbed them all through it. Then, he looked around to see if anyone was watching while thinking he’d show me. He didn’t just walk one time on my car. He covered my car in his little paw prints! He danced on my car!! He was determined to show me what he thought of my traitorous behavior. I was amused, but annoyed at the same time.
It took a couple visits before he decided he was finished pouting and I got my sweet, lovable cat back. I went from not being able to do anything wrong to being shown disgust all because of jealousy. My vehicle proved the disorder that happens when jealousy comes into play.
I challenge you to not show the envy that cat did over the attention I was paying to the pups when you feel left out. It only makes you look bad because you’ll say or do something that will just get someone annoyed at you. When we act out of jealously, we make wrong decisions. Act out of love, and don’t miss out on the time that gets away when pouting is going on.
