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A while ago, I was walking along a street and I heard the cries of a small kitten perched behind a tree, down a nearby embankment. It cried out over and over again with a small weak voice as if to get my attention. I looked over at it and wondered what I should do. I continued to walk, knowing I would return back along this same path in about ten minutes. I quickly prayed, asking God what to do.

As I came back, I prayed that if it cried out again, I would make my way down to it. It began crying out as it caught sight of me. I walked down and, as I got close to it, it backed away from me and was fearful. I stooped down and held out my hand, speaking to it in a low and gentle way. It approached my hand and I managed to pick it up. What do you want me to do, Lord? I kept thinking of the phrase, “Once I was lost and then I was found.”

I could hear it purr. It was such a loud purr for such a little one. I thought that I could bring it home and at least feed it and try to find a home for it. It was so skinny and scrawny. I held this little fur ball close to me and began walking home. It purred the whole way and, after a few minutes, even seemed to relax.

I reached home and found some ham bites and water, which were devoured feverishly. This small white and gray kitten was very skittish, but without fail it always purred when I came near or held it.

As I held this little kitten that had fleas and a scratch on its chin, I was continually reminded by its instant purr how grateful this little creature was to be saved. When I saw it on the street, I knew it might be prey to a coyote or another predator, or just become “road-kill” from the fast-moving traffic. The kitten did not know all of that, and yet it seemed to have its own sense of appreciation.

I gave it a bath, getting rid of the fleas, and nursed the tiny wound. In a short time it filled out and was enjoying a healthy and safe life. It came every time I called for “Little One” and it purred without fail.

I too was once lost, but now had been found. Salvation is the epitome of grace. God saved me by His grace when I received Jesus by faith into my heart and life. And I can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God and not the result of good works I have done (see Ephesians 2:8–9).

I have walked with the Lord almost 50 years and I am undone when I ponder the wondrous and lavish riches He has showered on me—grace upon grace. I love the Amplified version of John 1:16, “For out of His fullness (abundance) we have all received one grace after another and spiritual blessing upon spiritual blessing and even favor upon favor and gift (heaped) upon gift!”

In a world that leans towards getting what you deserve, and entitlement being the mindset of so many, this truth about grace points back to the Giver and not the receiver. I don’t deserve, nor am I entitled to, any blessing, favor, gift, or grace in my life. It is because of who He is and His love for me, His daughter, that I receive these great riches in Christ!

I too, am purring with praise and thanksgiving! I am thankful for the lessons that small furry animal reminded me of and want to be a child of God with a grateful heart that purrs with praise, worship, and thanksgiving for my Savior and Lord every day.

Thank You, Jesus, for hearing me, coming to me, inviting me, and caring for me when I was lost—and now I am found!