TGIF
It has been an odd and difficult season since my comrade Chester passed away.
I feel the loss every day and feel a tad embarrassed every day because I do.
My routines are different now and the ones that haven’t changed have an emptiness about them that makes them fruitless.
Who can understand these bonds between people and animals?
I’ve noticed another change since his departure…I have no patience for human nonsense.
Especially on social media.
I don’t bother reading the political screeds damning “the other side”, nor do I try to engage the conspiracy and prophecy wonks among us.
Everyone needs a hobby, even if it’s a stupid one…
What I do stop and watch now are the animal videos…especially the ones wherein some poor, mangled, beast is rescued and restored to life as it should have been.
I watch the ones where sacrificial love is poured out to save another creature and that love accomplishes wonders in the life of the creature receiving it.
I watch these because they’re one of the few places online where I am reminded of the Gospel these days.
The “religious” sites are busy parsing political theory and gender issues and the pastors and priests are very busy carrying forth their tribes conclusions on these matters.
To hell with the lot of them…
What we need to remember is that once we were poor, mangled beasts who were saved by Jesus…that we are recipients of sacrificial love that refuses to let us die alone and unloved.
We are the blind dog and the three legged cat who had no hope unless someone rescued us when no one else would or could.
We have been rescued and loved by One with an indomitable will to see us have life and love and that more abundantly.
There is never a question in the minds of those who rescue animals if a particular animal is worthy of hope…nor is there a question in the mind of the Lord if a person is.
They are.
You are.
That is the good news…that is the Gospel.
The cats I’ve rescued all do the same thing once they’ve been saved…they go tell the other lost and hungry cats where to find kibble.
That’s because cats remember where they’ve been and often want to share what they’ve found.
We just go looking for another argument…and that’s why I prefer the company of cats.
Make your own application…
Rescue is an interesting ponder… I recall all the stories here of the kitties’ willfull behaviors … so many good lessons for us humans
Thank you, Michael for sharing them and sharing your journey also….
God comfort and keep you through these times….
Em,
My cats often do not behave…I feed them anyway. 🙂
Alas. One of my departed cats was a contrarian. The other (who has also departed this world) was a wonderfully furry simpleton who just wanted food. I guess I still miss those imperfect little fur balls.
You are a kind person, Em. I second your comments on behalf of our host. May God, indeed, send comfort. 🙂
Hmmm…something went wrong….the end of my comment was supposed to say, “to Michael”.
Thank you, Em and JM…
My cats often do not behave. I feed them anyway…. amen…. yes, so many, many lessons to learn from our furry friends..and the efforts to save them.
this is such an excellent word of truth, Michael…. As the saying goes, ‘there are no ordinary cats”, but there certainly are some extra-ordinary ones who become one with our hearts.
I spend WAY too much time, effort and money on my cats… they run our house…we love them…and I pray for the myriad of animals out there… and people, who suffer in dire circumstances, without a shred of hope for deliverance or anything better, ever. .
Beautiful post, Michael.
For a misbehaving critter it’s hard to beat a 4-month old puppy who is so adorable that she gets away with all kinds of atrocities.
Down 3 pairs of shoes, a mattress cover, a comforter and two area rugs! And the cat is going bald!
Xenia,
LoL!!! Nothing like a puppy! Our 15 month old golden retriever drove me nuts for the first four months or so, but she is settling down to becoming a really good dog. As you know, you just have to love them out of the destructive phase.