I think I can honestly say that Baxter is a happy cat. Of course, he can’t attest to this condition for himself. At least, he can’t do so in a language we can all understand. Nevertheless, I would draw this conclusion from Baxter’s life situation. He lives under all the conditions needed to be happy.
First, Baxter is certainly well fed and sheltered. His weight is evidence enough of the former, and his many comfy chairs, pillows and blankets around the house give clear evidence of his warm and plush environment. Baxter’s life conditions are anything but “roughing it”. They are more like the Taj Mahal of the catdom.
Next, Baxter is safe. He is protected from physical threats because he never ventures forth into the unsecured world of streets, cars and other beasts. To his chagrin, he visits the vet at least once a year for his vaccinations and check-up. He is sheltered from most loud noises and unfamiliar sights and sounds, so his anxiety is held in check for the most part. Baxter’s world is a safe one where he can sleep secure and thrive when awake.
Finally, Baxter has companionship and community. Although he spends a lot of time alone, when I am home with him he gets large doses of attention, pampering and conversation. I am vigilant in knowing where he is every minute we are together. Sometimes he wants his own space away from me, which is fine, but I still want to know in what part of the house he has taken up his private meditation. He gets brush strokes, scratches and pets from me at various times throughout the day, just to let him know I care. Often, we have conversations, or at least, exchanged comments. For instance, Baxter says, “Meooooooooooooow” (Translated, “I want to eat.”). I respond, “It’s not time yet.” Or Baxter cries out with a deep baritone groan like “Ouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!” (Translated, “Here comes a hairball.”) I shout, “Not on the rug!” Sometimes the conversations are sweet and affirming. I say, “Baxter, you are the best. I love you.” He answers with “Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr” from the bottom of his toes. In all these ways, we pay attention to each other and make connections with each other throughout the day.
Isn’t this the picture of happiness: to have our basic needs met, to feel safe and secure, to share life with mutual care and personal affection? Think about it. If we have these things with our home, family, friends and community, we have all the ingredients for a happy life. But do we appreciate what we have, and work at enhancing these dimensions of our life together? Sometimes we take these things for granted and spend our time and energy complaining about what we don’t have, things that won’t deepen and broaden our happiness—material luxuries, fame, status symbols or some personal preference. We need to realize the precious gifts that food, clothing, shelter, safety and companionable communities are and be grateful for having them. Then we have to help others who lack these fundamentals to happiness find them for themselves. These are the basics of God’s blessings for us, and if we have them, we are rich in grace. We dare not take them for granted, but we must share them to allow God’s blessing to grow among us.
Baxter, you’re a lucky cat, and I am a lucky cat servant. God has blessed us all.
