By Jeanette M. Pintar - with inspiration from Misty

Recognize Your Masters.

People always joke about how aloof cats are and that they won't answer their "masters" -- as if they had any! But Misty did recognize her masters and acted accordingly. The first "master" she dealt with when we met her was Patrick, a pudgy little poodle who patrolled the house we rented. Patrick did not like cats. Not at all. Still, Misty knew if she was to befriend us, she would need to also befriend Patrick. I can't say that they had a close relationship but they did learn to respect each other as Patrick would sit on one side of me, and Misty on the other, both commanding my attention and affection. After a while, Patrick even accepted Misty hanging around. Except when Misty tormented Patrick by sleeping in the sun on the outside of the window sill while Patrick was locked inside because his owners were away.

After we moved from that house, Misty quickly accepted Mark and I as her new masters. While she recovered from the abuse of her former owners, she began to shower us with love and affection. She even came when we called to her! Of course if others would call her name, Misty copped a "cattitude" and walked away. She knew who her masters were and whom she would - or would not - serve!

People can take a cue from cats and learn to recognize our "masters." All too often we say we value ourselves, our family, friends, God, or our dreams, but we give our time, attention, energy, heart, and soul to something else. Whether it's watching TV, an unwanted job, spending money, getting caught up in computer games or e-mail, over eating, over drinking, or something else, we find ourselves serving something far from our purpose and allowing poor choices to become our masters. It's a good idea to ask ourselves, "What do I want my life to serve?" Then compare what we give of ourselves to that specific area and what we give of ourselves to other arenas.

What controls your life? Your choices? Is that what you want or is it time to make some changes?

Remember: Recognize Your Masters.

--- © Jeanette M. Pintar, inspired by Misty