Chapter 37 – Slowing Down

God Knows Our Times

Ecclesiastes 3:1

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

Psalms 90:12

“So Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

Matthew 6:34

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

The wonderfully refreshing rains of spring had already started drying as the days marched toward summer. Mornings were still just crisp enough to warrant an extra layer to keep that little bite of cold at bay. Our little pet posse Kaiyah, Gideon, Pumpkin and Cotton were all starting to show that vigor that comes with things warming up. The bonds between them were strengthening and it was wonderful to see how Cotton’s personality complimented our family and how big it was despite his smaller stature.

Our cockatiel Cotton was much more settled. We had been training pretty regularly building rapport, and at long last, we had begun the long awaited in home free-fly sessions. It was a slow patient process with lots of encouragement and thank yous to affirm his budding confidence, understanding and trust. Our home had plenty of room both in height and expanse for Cotton to fine tune his acrobatic and soaring skills. He is still amazing to watch take-off, land and fly… Honestly he is wonderful to observe doing just about anything just like our furbabies. And since I like to whistle a lot we had all kinds of whistling exchanges. Kaiyah and the kitties were amused by all the antics and had fun watching, respectfully from a safe distance.

As we often have to keep the sun coming in for Cotton to sunbathe from his home cage, and see outdoor friends, I soon found the morning routines of all three furbabies enjoying winter companionship laying all together in front of the double sliding door of the room where Cotton is stationed. It was so precious to see them all laying next to each other totally relaxed and rather close together taking in the warmth. The sun streaming through, down on each one and Cotton all plump and cozy standing on one leg, which is a really comfortable pose for a happy healthy bird. When I would pass by they might just lift their little sweet heads only to put them right back down with an incredibly relaxed sigh. It was good medicine for my heart to see and had a rather calming effect on me as well.

Kaiyah especially seemed to relish those moments basking in the sun with her friends plus it was good for the bones and joints. I had already noticed she was taking her time a bit more on our jaunts and needed a bit more time to hop into the SUV. When she started to turn back toward the house on our usual walk patterns around the neighborhood, I knew my sweet girl was slowing down.

On one occasion she was excited to get out on the trail in the nearby foothills. She was eager and full of energy and in a burst of happy joy she leapt into the back of our vehicle only to miss the mark. She landed haphazardly with front paws barely clinging to the edge of the floor with her back legs struggling to find a way to get in the SUV. I immediately reached for her and was careful to hold her and lift her in. She had a brief look of disorientation, but unflustered by her determination to get on that mission hike as soon as possible. I think I was more rattled than she was. Everything was fine when we got there and she chose the routes with great deliberateness. I noticed she made a point to avoid all paths that had anyone on it, at least that she could see from her vantage, especially those with bikes - smart girl. Folks on bikes were not usually patient even though walkers had the right of way. With her feeling a bit more aware of her age, she was even more sensitive to such things.

I began to offer more assistance getting her in and out of the vehicles keeping a careful eye on her expressions and movements. At that time she was still strong and wasn’t keen on my overprotectiveness. My heart was already tender toward the reality of Kaiyah’s length of days as we had no idea how old she actually was, and we knew she had been through much in her earlier years. She still was full of spunk and often as friskity as a puppy. I reminded myself, yet again, of my Lord Jesus’ Words in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” I needed to trust Him not just with our sweet aging Kaiyah but with everything I was still working through. For sure we all are changing and going through different things at any given point in this life. I knew resting and trusting Him without fear or anxiety was God’s Heart for me and that He totally knows how prone I am at times to overwhelm myself with concerns. I hug verses like Psalms 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a Refuge for us. Selah” I absolutely needed that reminder and to spend time with Him doing just that every day.

It is not easy seeing the toll of life on anyone, let alone those you love; those you have spent years with and shared so many, many memories. “With everything that will be happening, take your time and cherish every moment,” was one of the most timely, profound, and I believe Lord Appointed, phrases ever said to me by a young lady I worked with, but hardly spoke to, named Allison just before I married Peter. She said it with a sincere knowing and maturity of understanding. I remember the words were soothing and washed over me like running water and pooled in my heart and mind. It gave me fresh perspective to slow down as well. It is so important to embrace those moments, especially of unique significance - no matter what was happening, in that case, very special good things. But it resonated much deeper than that for me. Over the years with losses, difficulties, storms, relocations, and joyful, pleasant times - and just about everything else, that little phrase had already proven invaluable especially with regard to extra special times. A prayer often in my heart, “Teach me Lord, to number my days and that I may apply my heart to wisdom, to value each and every day and those you allow me to share them with….”

It wasn’t hard to perceive that we were beginning a new season in Kaiyah’s life. One I had already walked with many of my precious pets and several loved ones. I talked quietly to her after her miscue that day giving her a warm ruff of the neck hug. I logged the moment deep in my heart knowing our journey was becoming more treasured than ever and prayed for her and our little “furtherly” (my new word for our family after Cotton joined us with fur and feather combined) as we continued, for as long as God would Will and Gift, sharing this life’s narrow road together.      

…Until we meet again…