DID you ever see anything so playful as a kitten? If it can get nothing else to play with it will run round and round after its own tail, when it is in a playful mood.
I know a little dog and a cat that are the very best of friends. They will scamper about, in and out, under the chairs, around the table, and from one room to another; first, Sport, the dog, after Tutsi, the cat, and then Tutsi after Sport. Sometimes Tutsi will hide, and Sport will search till he finds her; or perhaps while he is looking for her, Tutsi will suddenly spring upon his back from her hiding place, and they will roll over and over, and then Tutsi is up and off, and Sport after her again.
Sometimes they will watch each other for a minute, each ready to spring; and when finally one does spring, the other jumps out of the way and is off like a flash. Sometimes it is the dog, sometimes the cat, that makes the playful attack.
When Sport lies down in his arm-chair, on the nicely prepared cushion, for a rest and a nap, Tutsi is pretty sure to come softly up and make room for herself beside him. Sometimes he will get up and leave his chair, as much as to say: “There’s not room for both of us”; but oftener he lies still and Tutsi curls down beside him; or lays her paw gently across his face, or on his neck, and begins to sing her sweetest purring song. You would laugh to see them kiss each other, or to watch their playful, loving antics.
It is the picture we have before us that recalls these two little pets. How carefully Pussy puts out her paw! all the sharp claws, which are her weapons of defense, are drawn in, for she does not want to hurt her little mistress. And so it is when Sport and Tutsi play together. Sport may get Tutsi’s paw or her head in his mouth, but he is very careful not to let his sharp little teeth close on them; and Tutsi gives Sport many a little stroke with her paw, but the sharp little claws are all drawn in, and Sport never has to cry with pain when she gives him a tap.
I am sure, dear children, you will not be sow to draw a lesson from this. May you all be as careful, and as loving, and as gentle, in your play one with another, as these two dear little creatures are! Love, gentleness, and goodness are three things that arc pleasing to the Lord, and they are the fruit of the Spirit. Do not forget that young though you may be, your character is known. If you are naughty and ugly in your ways, you cannot hide it from those who know you. If the love of God is in your heart, it will be seen in your ways.
ML 04/23/1916