Trust Earned

Buenos días hermanas y hermanos;

Waking up at dawn provides an opportunity to witness God's creation beginning to stir. The birds are still asleep, nestled in nooks and crannies al over the farm. I have read that sparrows huddle close together at night, constantly making happy chirping sounds.

This morning Dunblane Farm was shrouded in thick fog. The trees in the distance looked like ghosts, appearing and reappearing as the fog began to lift. The tree branches were covered with water droplets, thousands upon thousands of them. As the breeze picked up, they fell to the ground, making a sound akin to wind chimes. Sound travels differently through fog. It is muted, almost ethereal. It has a quality that speaks to the spiritual world. To walk the land at dawn shrouded in fog is to step into the realm of natural spirits. It was indeed a magical morning. 

The picture I included is of our newest arrival at Dunblane Farm. This handsome fellow is a ginger tom. When he first arrived he was hesitant to come near us. He would sit far away and just stare at us with his beautiful and expressive eyes. If we walked towards him, he would scurry away as quickly as a synapse firing. He was obviously afraid. But each new day saw him sitting a little closer to the house. Just recently I looked out the window and saw his sitting on the steps. It was quite surprising. I opened the door and he he was gone in an instant. The next day he was once again sitting on the same step, looking quite content. I opened the door, but this time he did not move. I sat five feet away from him and spoke in dulcet and calming tones. He got up and walked over to the pile of cat food which I had left for him. He ate happily and sauntered away gracefully, turning around as though to say thank you. Yesterday he was waiting for me, not on his usual place but in my spot. I sat down and he walked up to me. I reached out my hand, and he rubbed his head against it, closing his eyes as he did so. 

This was a moment of grace that moved me to tears. 

A moment that will not cure world hunger or stop wars, but definitely a moment that made a difference in my life and the life of our new furry friend. 

He does not have a name yet. 

Your task is to come up with a name. Once I have collected enough names I will choose one and send it out to our little reflection group. Put on your thinking caps, my friends. Our gato needs a name. 

In the 43 years that I have been at Dunblane, we have had the privilege of caring for at least 300 cats. Each had a name, each had a personality, each deserved to live free from fear. 

I will be waiting for name suggestions.

May you have a lovely afternoon and an even lovelier evening. 

By the way, our little reflection group continues to grow. That is awesome. 

Remember

In everything you say today , ask yourselves:

Is it true? 

Is it necessary? 

Is it helpful?

Is it harmful? 

Paz y mucho amor 

Padre Juan