The Heart of a Lion
Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8 (NLT)
I think animals feel more than we give them credit for. Once upon a time in Florida, I had a little white dog, Pete. He could always tell when my back hurt. He would come and lick that exact spot that was causing the pain. It was uncanny. Twilla Bennett (All God’s Creatures) shares a tear-jerking story about a cat. Read on!
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My cat friend, Stella, was visiting for a few months. After being alone for the day, she loved to cuddle together and nap while I watched TV. One evening, The Lion King live-action movie was on, and to continue my cat theme situation, I watched it.
Simba appeared on the screen, and not-sleepy-anymore Stella sat up with a start as his young roar filled the room. She jumped from my lap and climbed onto the television stand with caution, nose to the screen. She sat in front of that large lion cub and looked up at it with big eyes. When Simba moved, she watched him closely, pouncing toward each side as he ran off-screen and out of sight. From her perch, she was engrossed in every lion, watched other characters, and looked distraught at loud noises. Then came the scene where Mufasa lay dying.
I watched as Stella’s small cat paw reached up to pat Mufasa as he lay suffering. She was somber and quiet, instinctively connecting with this very real, yet fake, lion. Stella sincerely saw Mufasa’s pain. I was overwhelmed by her show of compassion and emotion.
Her reaction continues to make me reflect on how much compassion I show others in pain. Of course, I want friends to reach out to me when I’m in pain—it makes me feel good, and their tenderness brings me to tears. But do I really focus on someone else’s terrible news or horrible situation? Am I willing to draw near, listen, and put a hand on the shoulder without putting myself first?
I am trying. To me, this is something we can learn from all God’s creatures. The memory of that cat’s care can help me to pause and reach out with love.
WALK OF FAITH: The next time your friend is hurting, stop. Really listen. Put your arm around them or put your hand on their shoulder. Showing deep compassion can take one simple gesture.
Loving Lord, thank You for showing us incredible compassion and kindness. We have received so much. Please encourage us to give some of that away to others. AMEN.