The Cat

I’m an educated man. I’ve read more books than I care to admit. {Had to.} But even with all that required reading, I always found time to read on subjects that were important to me. That said, I read very little anymore. I learn now through meditation. But enough about my reading woes. Tonight, I want to talk about the cat. So, let’s jump into it.

Probably 30 years ago when I was wrapping up my doctorate in Divinity, I remember reading a story about a cat. Not just any cat. But a cat that was a resident at a hospice. The cat would roam the facility freely. Not really attached to anyone in particular. Just a permanent fixture. As time went by, one of the overnight staff noticed that the cat would sit in front of the door of the person who was dying that night. Without fail, the cat was always right. He just knew that their time had come. This went on for some time. The cat was so predictable, that he gave the staff the opportunity to call loved ones in, to circle around their passing family member. So, what am I getting at?

We need to be like the cat. Everyone struggles from time to time. We all know the saying, “If you see something, say something.” Well now I say, “ If you sense something, do something.” I promise you we’ve all missed the opportunity to provide some respite to someone at some point in our lives. I know I have. Even after 40 years working in mental health. Could have happened because I was exhausted from working 18-hour days. Could have been because I thought I was over thinking it. Or maybe, I just didn’t want to put the work in. {I’m human.} The point is, we have all held back in one time or place.

As I get older, I have learned to speak on it. The clock is ticking, and I am keenly aware of the days passing by. At age 60, there are only so many more days in my future. And I’m cool with that. I have had an amazing life. My heart is full. Yes, I’ve helped a lot of people. No, I am not here to save the world. I am, however, capable of speaking blessings over someone who is struggling.

We don’t need to take on their problems. We don’t need to be their full-time support. But maybe, just maybe, we can be like the cat. In someone’s hour of need, we can show compassion and just be present for them. If even for a few minutes. We will never know just how powerful being present is, until someone has been completely present for us when all seemed to be lost.