The Life We Can’t Yet See

As I write this, it’s Monday, and instead of easing into the week with coffee and my planner, I’ve been tromping around a 100-year-old house with my sisters and niece, trying to capture cats. Yes. You read that right–actual cats.

Our great aunt recently passed away, and she apparently collected more than a lot of old stuff. Let’s just say there were plenty of skittish cats and even more hiding places. Armed with trap cages and cans of food for them, the plan was set in motion. Set the traps. Leave. Go get lunch. Come back.

Within a couple of hours, four cats were safely captured. At one point, my younger sister actually had one of the skinny little guys in her arms. She had nearly decided he was going home with her. He was about to trade dusty floorboards for a warm cat bed, fear for safety, and hunger for full bowls.

And then, when she let him down for a minute, he ran off into the neighborhood. She tried and tried to catch him again, but he was gone. That little cat had no idea he was running from the very thing that would rescue him.

And I couldn’t help but think. How often do we do the same thing with God? We cling to what’s familiar, even when it’s not good for us. We hide in our mess because at least it’s our mess. We mistrust the very hands reaching out to save us because we don’t understand the bigger picture.

From that cat’s perspective, we were loud, disruptive, and frightening. From ours, we were rescuers.

Sometimes God’s rescue doesn’t feel gentle at first. Sometimes it feels like change. Like disruption. Like being picked up when we’d rather stay tucked into our dusty corner. But His arms aren’t there to harm us. They’re there to carry us somewhere better. Somewhere warm. Somewhere safe. Somewhere full. That little cat ran from a loving home he couldn’t yet imagine.

May we not run from the One who sees the life we can’t yet see. Because the truth is, God doesn’t chase us with traps and food. He pursues us with patience. With kindness. With steady, unfailing love. Even when we dart back into what’s familiar. Even when we slip from His arms, he doesn’t give up.

What looks like disruption to us may actually be deliverance. What feels like loss might be protection. What seems scary could be the doorway to something far better than we’ve known before.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

May we be people who learn to trust the hands that hold us, even when we don’t fully understand where they’re leading. Because if God is the One carrying us, we can be sure the destination is good.

By the way, there are still more cats to be rescued, and my sister plans to return every day until they’re all safely out. Hopefully, the little scaredy cat who slipped away today comes back for food tomorrow and gets a second chance.

February 25, 2026 Morning Brew

Join Me for Morning Brew: Devotions + Deliciousness

These devotional reflections come straight from the Morning Brew section of my newsletter—little sips of encouragement paired with practical, everyday faith. If you’ve enjoyed this story, I’d love to send more like it your way, along with fresh plant-based recipes and helpful resources delivered right to your inbox. Consider subscribing so we can continue walking this journey together, one nourishing bite and one uplifting word at a time. Subscribe now!

For more faith-based articles, please visit my Faith & Food page. Christian guest authors are helping me rapidly grow this category. Feel free to share your thoughts or favorite devotionals in the comments—I’d love to hear how these posts bless your day.