A Canada Lynx as an Image of God

Instructed to select a picture that catches my eye, gaze on it for a while and see what the Holy Spirit might have for me to see in it, I am drawn to a picture of a Canada lynx and her kitten lying relaxed in a meadow of wildflowers, both with their paws resting on a log. The mother’s eyes are half-closed and the kittens’ eyes are wide open. The mother’s expression at first glance is threatening. If she were a human, I’d say she had a scowl on her face. I wouldn’t want to cross her. The tufts on her ears are pointed up and alert. The kitten, on the other hand, seems relaxed and curious.

After looking at the picture for a while, I realize the mother’s expression is that of a cat who is more relaxed than anxious or threatening. The eyes half-closed are awake and alert, but not concerned that anything threatens her kitten. The two are at peace amid the wildflowers in the spring meadow.

I look at the picture a bit longer, then close my eyes and see something more. Whereas at first glance I identified more with the mother, vigilant for the safety of her kitten, I now see myself as the wide-eyed, unsuspecting kitten, taking each day’s adventure as it comes, feeling safe and peacefully surveying my world from my secure position — resting side-by-side with my protective mother. This image of the protective mother becomes an image of my relationship with God — a God who rests beside me, peaceful and secure yet ever vigilant for my safety.

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