Late the other night a neighborhood cat named Peanut was sitting proudly on our front porch.  When I noticed her out there I assumed, since we feed her, she might have been out of food.  I peeked out the door to the right where her bowl is kept and noticed that it still had food in it. 


I called to my wife, “Lori, Peanut wants you to pick her up and give her some love.”  


After giving Peanut hugs and petting, Lori walked in saying, “I know what Peanut was trying to tell us.  She brought us a huge rat.  It’s on the porch.”  I thought Lori was joking, I didn’t see a huge rat when I looked out, but when I checked this time and looked straight down, there it was on the welcome mat. 


“I didn’t see it either when I walked out,” Lori said, “You’re going to have to pick it up and throw it out.”


As I disposed of the large perfectly intact deceased rat, I kept thinking about Peanut’s decision to get us a gift.  I was fascinated.  This went far above and beyond her animal instincts.  Motivated by the power of love she decided to act.  At that moment something like, “Darrell and Lori are so kind to me, I’m going to get them a gift," must have gone through her little head.


Then she set out on a mission to obtain the best possible gift her feline mind imagined that we'd enjoy.  I have to believe that she experienced the same enthusiasm that propels me through the thought, planning, and effort involved in the gift giving process.  Beginning with the exciting thought, “I know just what to get them: a nice meal," to, "Oh boy, this one is perfect. They're going to love it," to, "I'll put it right where they can't miss it," and finally, "I can't wait to see how surprised they are when they see what I got them."


The more I think about it, the more I enjoy thinking about it.  It is proof that love is not that elusive romantic something outside of us that we long to get, but the benevolent power flowing through all life that constantly seeks expression.  The wonderful feeling inspiring Peanut to express her appreciation is within all of us and it's released every time we decide to share it.

"The love current is not a projection of the will; it is a setting free of a natural, equalizing, harmonizing force..." –Charles Fillmore






–Darrell Fusaro

Darrell Fusaro is the author of What If Godzilla Just Wanted a Hug? [2] and co-host of the Funniest Thing! with Darrell and Ed [3] podcast