Sacred Kinship Part 7
March 3, 2025
Sacred Kinship Part 7
Sacred Kinship goes beyond the humans into the realm of all animals. A dog or cat may not be able to articulate love with words, yet they express the soul's qualities of love in profound and unmistakable ways. Horses and many other animals provide comfort, support, and love. Lions, tigers, and apes raised by humans and then released into the wild have been known to recognize their first "parent." There are YouTube videos of reunions between animals and their human parents, who loved their animals so much that they released them back into the wild.
I have received love from my dogs ever since I was a little boy. Now, a neighbor's cat visits us regularly and considers us her second family. Tonight, Lark and I went to a new restaurant way out in the country that specializes in farm-to-table cooking. The restaurant is in an old country building with steps leading up to the porch and front door. At the top of the steps was an unexpected greeter. As we approached the steps, the dog was already wagging his tail, and his nose was in high gear to get a whiff of our scents. This happy greeter had a dog smile for sure.
I don't think we would have felt any more welcome if a human had invited us in. The dog expressed welcome, hospitality, happiness, and "I am glad you're here!" We were so welcomed that we patted our new friend, and he was happy to let us do so.
You have your examples of how animals have fulfilled a purpose that we generally assign to humans. Animals express genuine empathy, caring, companionship, understanding, protection, welcoming, support, and all other forms of love and caring. They are part of the universal law of love that propels the planet and all life on it.
Spiritual practice: Go to YouTube and watch "Christian the Lion Reunion." Watch this 2-minute and 28-second video. What arises in you as you experience this film?
Self-inquiry: What are some ways animals have conveyed the power of love to you?
Dear God,
For coming to me through your animals, I am so grateful. I revel in this sacred Kinship. In your name, Amen.
