Creature Comforts


I went to bed with dread last night. I'm at that terrible stage in a head/chest cold where I could be up for hours coughing at night. I dosed myself with theraflu, propped myself up on pillows, had my handy water bottle and tissue box, and proceeded to sleep.

Amazingly enough, sleep I did.

At one point my cat decided to join me. She curled up right on that part of my chest and neck that was bugging me the most, and it seemed like soothing balm. Then she started licking me. WHY WAS SHE DOING THAT?

I've had this cat for over ten years. She has NEVER done anything like this before at all. (I've trained her to stay off my bed.) It was very soothing. I lay there, half asleep and half aware, thinking muddled thoughts of furry angels. Thanks be to God! Does He use his creatures like that?

And this morning while I was cuddled up in my coleman sleeping bag on the back porch for my very silent morning coffee and prayers (not much of a voice today), a wren actually flew up onto the porch. Twice. We stared at each other for a good long time. The bird was very fluffy from the cold. Snow was falling, and I thought I ought to get some bird seeds, or some breadcrumbs going for those good creatures who keep me company out there.

I was reminded of some saint who said that if we only perceived the depths of our sins, we would ask even the birds of the air for forgiveness. I wish I could remember who said that so I could post the actual quote.

Bird image: http://identify.whatbird.com/img/4/3120/image.aspx

Comments

Mimi said…
What a lovely treat your cat gave you! Thanks be to God!
elizabeth said…
that is beautiful.

i heard that a very wise holy monk who i love believes that animals have a (non-new age) connection with us.

when i was in distress a few years ago, my cat would come often to me and was a great comfort.

thank you for sharing how you were encouraged.

i now also am encouraged.
Anonymous said…
When I had the flu last year, my cat curled up and would not leave my side When I would get up he would do what he needed. When I crawled into bed, he came right up with me.
I think it had to do with fact that when we first got him when he was little, I slept on the couch with him.
It reminds me that we are all creatures of our Heavenly Father.

Hope you feel better soon

Love, Joi
Anonymous said…
this is so heartwarming... :) I remember when I was little and would bust my knee (I was much of a tomboy), my dog would lick my 'wounds', and they would heal quickly. Or every time I'd cry, he would start howling, and that would make me giggle... He was a real blessing.
thanks for helping me remember that with your post :)
Unknown said…
You may be thinking of another quote, but the one that came to mind is this one by St. Isaac of Syria:

"What is a merciful heart? It is a heart on fire for the whole of creation, for humanity, for the birds, for the animals, for demons, and for all that exists. By the recollection of them the eyes of a merciful person pour forth tears in abundance. By the strong and vehement mercy that grips such a person’s heart, and by such great compassion, the heart is humbled and one cannot bear to hear or to see any injury or slight sorrow in any in creation. For this reason, such a person offers up tearful prayer continually even for irrational beasts, for the enemies of the truth, and for those who harm her or him, that they be protected and receive mercy. And in like manner such a person prays for the family of reptiles because of the great compassion that burns with without measure in a heart that is in the likeness of God."
Bluecanopy said…
wow...very cool.