I was speaking with someone this morning and we got to talking about Henry, our kitten who died at the beginning of August when he was just 8 mos. old. As has often been the case, the phrase, “Augh, such a short life…” came up and I responded as I have several times–“Yes…a short life, but one well lived. He gave a lot of love…he received it in return…and, he got a mouse.” My friend laughed–“And, he got a mouse!” At first, I was simply sharing my own gladness that Henry had that experience, honouring his feline heritage. But, upon further thought, and putting aside the more visceral aspects of such behaviour, I began to muse about it as a measure or question to consider, a sort of earthy Examen at day’s end or week’s end or anytime one might be taking stock:

Did I get a mouse?

Turns out, it’s a much bigger, more nuanced, question than it appears to be. Was I still enough-internally or externally-to notice subtle movements in my day? Was I quiet when quiet was called for and attentive to what was in front of me? Did I listen well? Did I trust my instinct? Did I wait patiently for the right moment? Did I do what I was called to do by putting my gifts and abilities at the service of others? Was I true to who I am created to be?

If so, in the end, I got a mouse.

Might not happen every day…but there are mice I’ve not yet met and tomorrows I’ve not encountered. And heck, even at my age, I’m still growing into myself.