The Three Young Cats

A refined and more detailed version of the story shared in a gathering last Friday.

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Once upon a time, there were 3 little cats. They grew up in a palace together with their father. Although they were brothers, they were very different from one another. The eldest was full of passion and energy, but he has a short attention span. The second was pragmatic, always ready to analyse and plan with cool-headedness. The third was one who was most obedient to the father and purest in heart, but seemingly the weakest of all the cats. They would gather at the window daily, looking towards the jungle near their home, longing for the day that they would be able to go out into the world to prove their worth and experience life.

Finally, one day, the first cat came of age and said to the Father, “I am a son of the great Lion and I have energy and passion, not to mention a great vision for the world. I am ready!” So he packed up his bags hurriedly and went on his way. In less than a year, he was back in the palace. Working non-stop for a few months in a row tire him out and the busyness of life has stripped him of his passion. He decided he needed to rest and came home, and has been resting ever since.

One day, the second cat came of age and said to the Father, “I am a son of the great Lion and people would expect a lot from me. Though I am of age to set out in the world, yet I feel that there are many areas that I am inexperienced and unschooled, I need to learn and read more so that I would not disgrace my Father.” So he spent his time in the library, day and night he was there. And is still there. He never once stepped out of the house.

The youngest cat witnessed the actions of the two elder brothers and thought to himself what he should do. He could not come up with any better ideas or suggestions of what he can and should do out in the jungle. “I am a son of the great Lion, my Father is the One who rules the entire kingdom and jungle, surely He would know what is best.” So the third cat went and inquired of the Father. Day by day he listened and noted on how to manage his life and kingdom, night by night he allowed the words of the Father to stir in him the visions and passion for the kingdom.
When he finally came of age, he was ready. Yet he did not go alone. He asked the Father to give to him the best adviser and guide in the land, one who knew the Father’s heart, so that they might travel together. He asked for a pigeon so that he can always have direct line to his Father in the palace. Whatever he did and wherever he goes, it was as if the Father went along with Him. He was the one, though he was the weakest, yet was the most successful.

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