This morning was so quiet. After rising, I fixed a bit of breakfast--scones I made for us yesterday and coffee. I have just about given up having cereal in the morning because our two young cats are nearly driven to distraction by the presence of milk, which upsets their little tummies. I have finally trained them not to jump up on the table at least while I am eating. I lit the three Advent wreath candles. Mel, my shadow, sat down in the kitchen chair where you see him in this picture. I had not noticed his reaction to the lit candles---maybe it was the sight of three of them that caused his reaction. He was simply mesmerized. For a full 90 seconds, he remained faithful to his training and only put his front paws on the table and gazed, without moving, staring at the flames. When I went to get the camera, he had taken his paws off the table but was still staring. Just staring. I realized how quiet the kitchen was. How lovely the wreath was. How quiet my own soul became.
Mel is such a quiet soul. He will spend seemingly endless moments just looking at me, like an owl, almost. I thought he might change as he has grown (now 7 months) but it is still the same. I pick him up and after one meow, just about always one meow, he relaxes in my arms like a baby and does not move. Still, still, still. We saw the falling snow yesterday. I saw the most beautiful cat I have ever know, sleek, shiny black semi long hair---a face so coal black that you can't see his mouth, white whiskers and eyebrows, white paws and chest, and so quiet a soul. Lord, let me stop too, and gaze in wonder at your love for me, and let me be amazed, and quiet, and relax in your embrace. Sweet, sweet Mel.
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