A Christmas Conversation 2020

Paul:  Was that a mouse I just saw scurrying along the wall?

Gypsy:  Yes, I believe it was.

Paul: And you are just sitting here watching it.

Gypsy: Yes, I’m busy grooming right now.

Paul: I thought cats were supposed to chase mice and eat them.

Gypsy: That is a Christmas mouse and it has a special place in my heart.

Paul: Please explain.

Gypsy: All creatures on earth have a place and right to live out there lives.  

Paul: Mice can get into our food and they leave little surprises all over that someone, namely me has to clean up.  They could carry disease as well.

Gypsy: That was only one mouse and it is very small.  I don’t mind sharing a little of my food with it.  

Paul:  But where there is one mouse there may be more mice to come.  

Gypsy:  This is a big house.  Isn’t there room for more here?

Paul: I just won’t stand for this.  One has to draw the line somewhere.  

Gypsy: It won’t be on my conscience to kill that mouse, especially when it is Christmas time.

Besides, I am quite content with my diet of dry cat food.

Paul: Do you know what goes into making your food?

Gypsy: I believe that whatever goes into my food was raised for that purpose.  And I accept that whatever lives were sacrificed it was for the benefit of life not death.  I don’t feel that sacrificing this mouse would serve that purpose. 

Paul: So, you intend on just watching this mouse run around amok here?  

Gypsy: I’ve already agreed to share my food with it.  I will just eat a little less.  I’ve been thinking about going on a diet anyway.  I’m not as active in the winter, although we have had some lovely days lately.  

Paul: I’m not sure I share all your considerations and I will respect your wishes at least for this Christmas day.  I will have to think on all this.

Gypsy: I’m wondering what Christmas means to you?

Paul: I feel it is a time of the year to count our blessings and acknowledge what we are grateful for, even in these times of trials.  

Gypsy: Perhaps it is when things are difficult that we get strength to follow a just path and appreciate the small things in life.  

Paul:  Like the scurrying of small fury creatures? 

Gypsy:  That all creatures have a place in what we call life.  All life is precious and sacred.  

Paul: Yes, there are many things to be grateful for: friends, a warm place to be out of the weather, the diversity and inter-dependency of life, and so much more.  

Gypsy: Yes, and just being here and now.  That is perhaps the most precious gift and that we can share it together.  

Paul: I notice that you have been wanting to snuggle more lately and being with me, even when I am just watching a movie.  

Gypsy: Cats like to conserve energy.  You feel warm to me and I enjoy your company.  I like being scratched.

Paul: I like knowing you care and want to be with me.  Blessed be and may our way be easy!
Gypsy: May we find room in our heart for creatures great and small!  Blessed be.