This is a picture of Boots the Cat. I began noticing glimpses of him regularly around our yard until discovering that he was living under our house. To this day, we still have no idea where he came from.
I’ve never thought much about cats. I guess when I did (because of my ignorance), I saw them as a nuisance. After throwing out foolish, ego-driven thoughts like, "guys like me don’t have cats” (what does that even mean!? ) or selfish thoughts like, “I’ve got more important things to do,” I finally got it right and began to live out my values.
For months I helped my wife patiently care for and love Boots onto our front porch, and eventually right into our lives. This previously fractious, scared, homeless cat is one of the best things to happen to us. Slowing down and giving him the time and attention he deserves has brought out his personality. In that process, we have been rewarded with more contentment and peace in our intense and pressure-filled lives.
Boots reminded me that the best way to keep ego and selfishness at bay in my life is to make sacrifices and to give to someone or something that will personally cost me, like my time and money. I’ve said it’s my duty to stand in the gap for those who are innocent and can’t help themselves, and for me that even applies to animals, especially Boots the Cat.
The path out of the toughest times in my life has always started with getting outside myself and focusing on somebody else’s needs first.
Keep Coming Forward,
Jimmy Hensel
