My mind is full of thoughts of the goings-on of life, but my lap is full of a feral cat named Tom. He came to me a while ago when I was about to feed Miss Hissy our first feral cat who has been a work-in-progress since we moved into our cabin almost six years ago. Tom, who I initially named Gray, walked right into the kitchen nook and laid down across my feet and stayed there purring loudly. He has been a constant companion, talking with me, telling me all kinds of things, wanting to share my food, and trying to sleep on my chest until I shoo him away. He introduced herself to Timber, Patches and Loki the three dogs now living with me and made it very clear who is in charge. Loud yelps could be heard when a quick swat was skillfully landed on the nose of an inattentive pup. The four of them get along very well now and are a real comfort to all of us and our visitors.
Over the years, I remember the cat wandering on a farm road in Iowa during RaAM 1983, Earl(Jarrell), Gus and Cream (Edwards), Monster(McCullum), our own Sweet Pea(Passion Play), Scooter(Briniger), Snoop (our stuffed dog) who has been with us since 1974 when he was with me in the hospital in Tulsa during my first bunion surgery, Ginger and all the Jackson dogs in Colorado, Muffin(Phil and Sharon’s cat), TarBaby(Gledhill) Bonnie’s Papillons, Etta Fay, Emmie Lou,Tom and Susie(Ludig), Hissy, Mo, Peggy (Schatz)……..and a host of others.
What joy pets bring to us. They are part of God’s creation although The Bible speaks little about pets and mostly about animals and our duty to be good stewards of them while having dominion over them. Interesting topic to consider. Think about the Tabernacle and Temple: the thousands of animals sacrificed to atone for our sin, and then there was Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice to take away ALL sin, past, present and future. The Lamb of God….the only Son of God…..God Incarnate. Heavy stuff to ponder…..Thank You, Jesus
