Which is Better, Cat or Dog?

For some reason, this quote has been circling in my head over the past couple of weeks. I take this to be a sign that I should post it, so here it is:

To know and to serve God, of course, is why we’re here, a clear truth, that, like the nose on your face, is near at hand and easily discernible but can make you dizzy if you try to focus on it hard. But a little faith will see you through. What else will do except faith in such a cynical, corrupt time? When the country goes temporarily to the dogs, cats must learn to be circumspect, walk on fences, sleep in trees, and have faith that all this woofing is not the last word. What is the last word, then? Gentleness is everywhere in daily life, a sign that faith rules through ordinary things: through cooking and small talk, through storytelling, making love, fishing, tending animals and sweet corn and flowers, through sports, music and books, raising kids — all the places where the gravy soaks in and grace shines through. Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of gentle people.

Garrison Keillor, “The Meaning of Life” in We Are Still Married: Stories and Letters

7 Comments

  1. Mike the Eyeguy

    For the purposes of the metaphor, I’ll take cats. But in real life, I much prefer dogs (I’m allergic to cats).

    Especially Amazing Gracie the Wonderdog, who sits here gazing at me with her doe-eyes, looking downright Bama beautiful in her houndstooth collar.

  2. Donna

    I love me a Bama beautiful dog too!!

    Thank you for sharing this, it is possible that you were led to post it just for me. I needed it that much today.!!

  3. Mike the Eyeguy

    In this wonderful world of ours, anything is possible!

    Blessings to you Donna.

  4. th

    I’ve really come to love Keillor’s way with words – he is a master storyteller of our day!

    Thanks for sharing. Oh, and for the record – I’ll take dogs – they have always been the gentle ones in my life.

  5. Mike the Eyeguy

    Gracie is one of the gentlest souls in my universe.

    And she never has a bad day, even when her arthritis is acting up.

  6. mmlace

    Thanks for posting this, Mike.

  7. Mike the Eyeguy

    You’re welcome!

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