Moody Rudy
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 (NKJV)
Having had many pets during my lifetime, I do honestly believe they know when we are not feeling well. Maybe we act or smell differently, but whatever it is, they can recognize an illness. And of course, that is just when they want more attention. Terry Clifton (All God’s Creatures) shares how Rudy instinctively knew something was wrong and simply wanted to make sure things would get better.
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I could feel a tapping on my feet as I sat at my desk. Then a bite at my ankle. Our cat Rudy would not leave me alone! He had also developed a new sound—a mournful and annoying chirping that I had never heard before. As soon as I tried to lift him, he became a deadweight lowrider. Then when I got him on the desk, he positioned himself directly in from of my computer screen, blocking my work. How did he come up with this new routine?
I had been battling the flu all week. I would have preferred to be in bed sleeping, but as a freelancer, I knew deadlines were deadlines. I usually enjoyed various games with “my fur boy” during my workday, but this week, drained from the flu, what I wanted was peace, not a cute cat. The chirping—that’s what got my goat! It was nonstop. Now I was not only irritated but also worried about Rudy. Was he sick?
When I lifted him off my desk, I got down on the floor with him and lay down on my side. As I was fighting the urge to close my eyes, Rudy put his face up to my nose and put his paw on my face. I connected with something deep in his eyes. He was simply desperate for me to feel better. It is a mystery how the Lord communicates with cats, but this feline instinctively knew something was wrong with me. Rudy’s instinctual sensitivity transformed my irritation into a new appreciation for him. As I petted Rudy and hugged him, I began to hear a soft purring response. And I felt better myself.
A cat has absolute emotional honesty; Human beings, for one reason or other, may hide their feelings, but a cat does not. — Ernest Hemmingway
Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we learn from our pets. Teach us about unconditional love, loyalty, and faithfulness. Help us to take the time to give a little bit back to others. AMEN.