Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world …is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world…is passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever. Letter of Saint John 2: 16-17
Susie and I have finally found time to sit quietly in our prayer chair this morning. We’ve both managed to dig to the top of the wrapping paper pile and take a breath and sit down. Whoever the event planner who plotted out the seven days between Christmas and New Years hadn’t a cat–he or she would have understood the need for “down” time in between these two holidays.
In the midst of what should be a very spiritual season, there’s so much “harking” and “heralding” that Susie, Delia and I can barely hear ourselves think.
It’s really good to be able to sit and pray and reflect this morning. It’s two days before the New Year is rung in, two days to consider all of the resolutions I need to begin, two days to reflect on the resolutions I abandoned so easily, so early this last year.
I envy my two wonderful cats. They don’t seem to be distracted by any of this. Everyday they go about their cat business–Susie rests in the chair next to me during morning prayer. Everyday both she and Delia take time out to rest. They take good care of themselves. They never complain much about what we give them to eat…well, most of the time.
Maybe, that’s all I need to resolve to do. Commit to one thing above everything else and stick to it everyday. No matter what. On vacations. On holidays. During all kinds of weather. One consistent thing to take care of myself.
I know the answer. It’s as plain as Susie’s and Delia’s whiskers on their face. It’s as simple as sitting with Susie in our red chair each morning. It’s as peaceful as a cat nap.
Remembering, first to pray, and then how to live the rest of my day is the greatest gift I’ve received from those two little cats.
It’s a gift that will last forever. Happy New Year!
