Emily Bronte

Good afternoon sisters and brothers in Christ;

Many years ago we rescued a litter of three adorable and energetic kittens who had been dumped at the side of a gravel road not far from Dunblane. Being fans of classic literature, we named the three kittens Anne, Charlotte and Emily Bronte. I have written about the Dunblane Bronte sisters in previous reflections. 

From the very beginning, Anne and Charlotte were very affectionate, unlike Emily who preferred to keep her distance and remain aloof at all times. 

Anne was the first to disappear. She was a real sweetie, and we mourned her absence. Charlotte hung around for a couple of more years before she too went on a walkabout. We were equally saddened by her loss. 

Emily remained aloof, even though we tried everything to win her acceptance. It was frustrating. 

Then one day, quite out of the blue, Emily Bronte decided that we could be trusted. 

Since that day she has become very affectionate, demanding to be scratched behind the ears and given treats. And recently she has found a new friend in Augustus , a beautiful tabby who showed up at the beginning of the summer. They are inseparable. 

Yesterday I went on a walk to find a place to pray and give thanks. I was giving thanks because my nephew Mark Jr in Washington State is miraculously doing better. He was hit by a city bus that was travelling at over 50 kms an hour and was not expected to survive. But, he is off life support and is eating and taking the first tentative steps toward recovery. 

I stopped to pray at one of my favourite haunts at Dunblane. This weathered and gnarled Manitoba Maple has a spiritual energy that is off the charts. As I snapped this picture, Emily Bronte appeared seemingly out of nowhere. She was purring up a storm, and insisted on having her ears scratched, as is customary. 

I have written about thin places in many previous reflections. This one was particularly thin. And as Emily headed toward the barn, I felt a complete sense of calm and peace. I prayed for her health and that she may have many more happy years here at Dunblane. 

My sisters and brothers , open the eyes of your hearts and see the beauty. 

Let us pray and give thanks 

For the beauty and wonder of creation 

    We thank you, Lord. 

For all that is gracious in our lives, revealing the image of Christ.

    We thank you, Lord. 

For our daily food, for our homes and families and friends.

    We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think and hearts to love. 

    We thank you, Lord. 

For health, strength, and skill to work, and for leisure to rest and play.

    We thank you, Lord.

For those who are brave and courageous, patient in suffering, and faithful in adversity.

    We thank you, Lord. 

For all who pursue peace, justice and truth.

    We thank you, Lord. 

Today we give thanks especially for our little reflection group    

    We thank you, Lord. 

Diosito me los colme de bendiciones y alegría 

Paz 

I love you 

John 

A reminder that if you have a prayer request just send me a message.