So here’s where I was when I woke up in the middle of last night: I was feeling discouraged about the hate and lack of civility in the world; feeling disappointed in my own flaws and failures; feeling a deep sadness. Then I noticed Clara Cat wasn’t in her usual place on the chair. I thought maybe somebody had let her outside and she hadn’t gotten back in before we all went to bed. I looked for her on the back deck and on the front porch – but nada. And I got scared. We have coyotes and bobcats and eagles here.

I decided to read the weekly CS Bible lesson-sermon. This week’s was on “Love” – my favorite topic! And I got all wrapped up in reading and thinking about the God who is Love and Her love for us. And when i finally finished and looked up, I saw Clara lying on the top of the chair – all stretched out and casual – looking at me.

And that one thing – seeing Clara healthy and content — put everything else in perspective and made the world look better. It was like a gentle pat on the back – a pat of reassurance from the God who is Love.