When growing up, I recall discussions about how it is impossible
for animals to go to heaven; being that they don't have a spirit.
How could they have one, being that they do not talk and, thus,
can not understand or communicate with God? Or, at least, that
was the winning argument.
Though, I have wondered, more and more, how it would be
impossible for them not to have a spirit, after having our
current cat; Whiskers. We have never had one like him before.
When we snap our fingers, in disapproval, Whiskers whines. When
his preference is to be disobedient, he will whine as if we have
scolded him already. Knowing he will get into trouble, Whiskers
proceeds to do the very thing he knows not to do, anyway ...
fully anticipating that we will immediately tell him to stop, for
which he reluctantly does; perhaps also testing to see if we care
enough to respond.
In every way, Whiskers appears to have the feelings and
understanding of a toddler. He even talks back to us when he
does not like the rules. Others have stated they have never
heard a cat make sounds like he does; somewhat like how a baby's
cry has different meanings.
When our hands are full and we need to open a door, Whiskers will
reach for the doorknob and attempt to open it for us. He has the
gift of helps! When he wants us to open a door for him, he will
do the same. He already knows Bible! "Ask and ye shall
receive."
With the aroma of cooking, Whiskers will run to the kitchen.
Much like we did as children, he is prepared to rinse the pots
and bowls by licking the tasty residue. (Being in the age of
dishwashers, germs are not a problem.)
At meal time, Whiskers will select a chair around the kitchen
table, just like any other member of the family; patiently
awaiting (most of the time) scraps. (Just don't leave your plate
until you are finished eating.)
Like children might sneak cookies (the evidence later to be
revealed) we discover pieces of food Whiskers has snitched, then
hid to eat. It is not a good idea to leave white powdered donuts
out, even with the box lid closed. That is one of Whiskers'
all-time favorites.
Whenever we leave the house, Whiskers watches out the window,
anticipating our return; missing us, I am sure. Upon arrival and
before we get to an entry, he has already scurried there to greet
us.
It really is not all that different from picking up your toddler
from the baby-sitter, how they run to the door, "Mommy!" If
Whiskers has not greeted us, we know to check to see if he has
become sick or gotten closed in a closet.
Surely, animals must care intensely, being that they take on the
family health problems.
Also, each member of the family has a different place in his
heart. Whiskers responds to the one who feeds him as if they
were his mother and that is, also, the person he cries to when
the bowl is empty.
To his playmate, Whiskers jumps on them, attacks, and does all
sorts of silly things. His personality is so entertaining. Much
like a Sanguine, he is sure to bring a smile.
To another, he is so romantic that everyone in the house is drawn
to watch him. Whiskers will love on you as if you are the most
precious person this side of heaven.
The unconditional love one gets from Whiskers is as heartwarming
as any toddler. If you are in tune to listen to his heart, more
joyous than his purr, you will know he knows 'love'; and God is
love.
These are just a few of the things leading me to think Whiskers
almost has to be part human.
Then, when the subject of animals came up, around my 12-year-old
niece, I overheard her say, "Well, of course animals go to
heaven! Everything God created will be in heaven!" Like, duh.
All the world will cry out that there is a God. Oh, the wisdom
of a child!
Maybe God blessed us with Whiskers so I would ponder such things
and be able to offer assurance to those who have lost pets; as,
now, I know when our beloved pet dies, we will see them again.
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© by Joyce C. Lock
http://iam.homewithGod.com/glimpsesofgod/
Know what you believe because you heard it from God.
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