Angels in Our Midst

Good afternoon sisters and brothers:

Part of my nighttime routine is to check on Crookshanks and Kit before lights out. They spend the night in their well appointed apartment, after having spent the day in their spacious outdoor catio which is located in the shadow of our massive century barn. 

This is a time of night that brings me much peace. 

With a cup of herbal tea in hand, I sit in my customary chair and shed the worries and concerns of the day that was. 

No matter what kind of day has unfolded, Kit and Crookshanks are always there, ready to provide healing through their purring. They do not ask questions nor do they judge. They are always glad to see me.

This room is where some of my most profound and intense prayer times have taken place. 

Last night I sat and watched Crookshanks sleeping on the table top, completely stretched out. He must have been dreaming about running because all four legs were twitching madly. I wondered about what he was dreaming. Perhaps about his mom, or siblings, or chasing butterflies. 

I left the room as silently as possible, so as not to wake Crookshanks. Kit was on the floor, sound asleep, purring away with not a care in the world, the way it should be. 

We can learn so much from our pets. 

We are not their owners. They own us. They steal our hearts and make us better human beings. 

They teach us about unconditional love, the power of listening.

They are intuitive , knowing when we are feeling down or not just right. 

They are family members who add joy and beauty to our lives on a daily basis. 

When they leave this earth, it devastates us.  

For anyone in our little reflection group who has recently lost a pet, please give yourselves ample time to grieve. Know that you are not alone in your grief. 

Our pets are true angels sent from God. 

Let us pray.

Gracious God, who created all things. We give you thanks and praise for our pets. Let their unconditional love be a guiding light in everything we do. May we be granted the wisdom to treat all animals kindly, and to be kinder to ourselves and others. This we ask in Jesus' name. 

Amen