There’s something in our garage

Getting a cat and loving what’s in front of us

Welcome to Walk & Talk, my monthly newsletter to share stories, inspiration, and hope. I’m Kim Knowle-Zeller, mama, pastor, and writer. I’ve lived in West Africa and one summer hiked 500 miles across Spain, and now I call Cole Camp, MO home with my husband, two children, and dog. I love to walk, talk, and share stories. Thanks for being here!

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One November morning, I was sick in bed and missed the before school rush of breakfast, teeth brushing, water bottle filling, and getting out the door. Isaac heard something in the garage, a scratching on the wood and rattling of the door knob. From my bedroom, I heard the pitter patter of feet down the hall and the excited screams, “Come, look!” When the kids and Stephen opened the door, a small orange and black cat ran into the laundry room.

This same day our good friends moved to Colorado. I was both sad and sick. After the kids went to school full of joy at having found a cat in the garage, my friend came over to say goodbye bearing the last of her frozen food and plants that needed a home. With a final hug we said, “See you later,” and I remembered to say, “Oh, we have a cat in the garage.” At first glance, my friend reached to snuggle the cat and wanted to take her on the 10 hour drive to her new home. But after some time she knew she couldn’t be the one to take her, but hoped someone would.

Later that afternoon after school, the kids' first words were “how’s the cat?” Heading to the park across the street, the cat followed. With each brush against our legs and soft purr, she was ever so slowly nudging her way into our lives.

We took her to the vet the next day to find out she was five months old and healthy. Almost. There were a few patches of hair falling out from ringworm which meant a month of medicine and drops and isolating from the cat. We debated whether to keep her after all, but ultimately, the decision had been made. She came to us and we couldn’t just let her go knowing the care she needed.

I had hoped by now to be writing about moving the cat (Sherlock) inside our house after her month of quarantine. Imagining the mischief and mayhem she’d get into. But instead she’s still relegated to the garage. She has a two week buffer period before she can come inside.

Just like this season of Advent invites us to an active waiting, these last few weeks have been anything but passive as we’ve cared and loved our new family member. Every morning and evening, the kids peek in the garage to say hello. We let Sherlock out in the laundry room to run and chase toys, the kids being careful to not touch her. We’ve fed her, given her pills, and rubbed cream on her body — signs of love.

We could have put the cat back outside and made her night in our garage a one-time occurance. There have been plenty of other cats we’ve turned a blind eye on. But not this cat. Not this time.

Maybe it was because our friend moved the same day we found her. Maybe it was the ringworm and care she needed. Maybe it’s the wars and violence ravaging our creation. Maybe it was all of these reasons and more.

But she’s ours now. We put the time and money and love to make her a part of our family. We loved her through sickness even as we were unsure of the outcome.

I can’t help but think that somehow this cat is teaching us what it means to accept and welcome love into our homes. How God’s love is for all creatures, even the smallest in our midst. And how the unexpected gifts before us can change us.

Much like another baby that will soon be born.

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The Beauty of Motherhood

I’m biased but Erin and I believe The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years makes a great Christmas gift for a mama in your life. I have signed copies ready to ship if you’d like to order directly from me ($20 and I’ll cover the shipping). Hit reply to this email! Church Publishing has a promo code HOLIDAY20 for a 20% discount found here.

Here’s what others are saying about The Beauty of Motherhood:

• This book is a balm for the soul. -Laura R.

• This is a special book. These pages will help you see that you are not the only mom who has been frustrated or fearful. They will help you see that while you might be someone's mom, you are still a child - a Child of God - wonderfully made and deeply loved. -Kathleen F.

• This beautifully written devotional is a gift for new mothers, yes, but also to any mother who wants to remember the early days of motherhood. -Laura P.
  
  

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Advent invites us to walk, not run. To slow down and listen to what the darkness can teach us. Walking in Advent can look like: a slow reading of scripture, repeating one phrase over and over, sitting in silence, taking deep breaths, baking bread to share with a neighbor, and lighting one candle each week. Some more thoughts here on waiting and what it means to sit in the dark.

Some other things I’ve loved

My friend

Krista Steele

has a beautiful way of sharing book reviews and I was delighted to share my own take on Fresh Water for Flowers.

For Living Lutheran I wrote about saying goodbye to friends and practices to honor the people we love.

Looking for ways to infuse creativity into your Advent practice? I love these suggestions from

Elsa Cook

on creating as a spiritual practice.

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A Blessing for the Beginning of Advent

This blessing meets you with the early morning dawn
whispering gently, “come, see what the day holds”
it rubs your sleepy eyes and wraps you in a warm blanket
it fills the air with the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee
and settles in your heart making space for God’s peace.

This blessing meets you in the afternoon sun
with a crispness in the air and dancing shadows on your floor
it tells of to-dos and phone calls, meetings and appointments
and reminds you, “You are loved as is”
it delights in watching you care, work, tend, and listen
and settles in your heart making space for God’s peace.

This blessing meets you with the setting sun
in the lighting of candles and the gathering at the table
it hears your sighs and prayers and knows your longings
it brings hope for a weary world
and settles in your heart making space for God’s peace.

This blessing meets you in the dark of night
wondering and questioning, doubting and believing
it whispers again, “come and rest, I’m here”
it embraces you just as you are
whether you feel it or not
settle in, rest, breathe, be
God’s peace is here.

So grateful for you, friend! I’ll be back in your inboxes the first Wednesday in January!

P.S. I have a favor for those of you who have read The Beauty of Motherhood. Would you be willing to write an Amazon review? They are so helpful for getting others to know about our book! Anyone can review on Amazon whether you’ve bought the book from them or not. Thank you!