What do octopi, puppies, toddlers and horses have in common?
It's occasionally struck me, and strikes me again this morning, that largely without fail no matter where I look around the world, critters of all shapes and sizes seem to have a propensity for four common descriptions and one common state of being. In fact this observation usually only happens when this single state of being is in effect. I've observed this in animals, sealife, birds, and people.
The state of being I refer to is that of peace, or peacefulness; that place of mental, emotional, spiritual and physical rest where for that moment at least, there is no threat, no frustration, no need, no hostility, no struggle, just contentment and peace.
This state of being leads young anythings to explore, to play, and to discover. What I find interesting, is what is typically discovered. . . For it is in this state of being that bears look and act like stuffed animals, lion cubs play with each other's tails, octopi, magpies, and weazles haul off pretty shiney objects, and the most fearsome among creatures basks under a gentle touch.
From wild cats to horses and sharks to spiders and foxes and crows, it's been fascinating to discover that when left to a peaceful existence, these are the things they enjoy.
Then I look at mankind and the discovery is very similar there. What fascinates us most in a futuristic book or movie? Everything is clean and shiney and ideally free of the sinful behaviour that plagues much of our existence. What draws us to romantic tales of love and bravery? It is that gentle touch and the need for protection and safety found in the arms of one who loves us deeply. Why do we get all warm and fuzzy inside when we see cute and cuddly baby anythings in person or in pictures or videos?
Just like the critters, we too desire that state of peace, and something within us longs for a gentle touch, a soft heart, a quiet spirit, and whether we are willing to admit it or not, the clean shiney look of that pure gold pavement in heaven.
I am led to believe that when nature is at peace, it longs for the untouched perfection of the way God intended our world without sin. Something within every single one of us, man and beast alike, says these things should be there, these things are longed for; and every time a small snippet of that expected reality reveals itself, cats purr, birds sing, dolphins dance, and tails wag. One day the reality nature knows should be present, will be present! One day God will return all things to the way they were before sin entered the world.
I long for that day. Do you?
