It’s raining. My joints warned me before I looked out the window.
Spring struggles to come full bloom. Who can blame her?
A forgotten Star Wars coloring book and sheets sloshing in the washer remind me of Heather and Basil’s visit for a long weekend. Good gift.
Today I feel their absence and Jud’s in my body and spirit. Probably intensified by the chill and dreariness of the day.
After dropping off Heather and Basil at the airport late yesterday afternoon, I drove to Christ Church for Choral Evensong. Sometimes, listening to great music, written and sung for God’s glory, is as needed as breathing for my soul to stay alive. The combined choirs from St. John’s Church in Beverly Farms and the Choir of Christ Church sang, as part of the evening, a short Cantata, “Rejoice in the Lamb” by Benjamin Britten.
John Russell, organist and choirmaster at Christ Church, taught through the program that this piece was taken from a long poem written by Christopher Smart, “an 18th century poet who was deeply religious, but of a strange and unbalanced mind. This poem written in an asylum.”
Jenni-Rebecca Stine Falcetta’ s solo in the Cantata nibbles at my funk, as I re-read the lyrics from the program.
For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry….
For he knows that God is his Saviour.
For God has blessed him in the variety of his movements.
For there is nothing sweeter than his peace when at rest.
For I am possessed of a cat, surpassing in beauty, from whom I take occasion to bless Almighty God.”
So I ask my downcast self, “Have I no occasion to bless Almighty God?”
Who’d a thought a cat could preach, leaving me speechless.
Almost.
This story has been viewed 2 times
1 person HEARTS this story
4 Comments
Well, we know of the wisdom of children, so let’s hear it for animals. However, I have requested only dogs be in my eternal zip code. Unless of course, the Lord fully redeems my need for control.
Blessings, Dale
BIG SMILE! Thanks, Jan. It’s great to know that God even uses cats to get us to think straight.
Sweet kitty snuggles in my lap as I enjoy the comforts of your words. So nice to be reminded that she too rests in His grace.
This reader loves seeing through your eyes, Jan. You convey an abiding sense of wonder and a poignant, constitutional awareness of the transience of all forms. You’re lending new dimension to our forthcoming trip come November. Here and elsewhere you follow poet Mary Oliver’s prescription for a meaningful life:
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.