Miracles News

September-December, 2025

Messages from Spirit (Via Joey My Cat)

by Laura Woodyard, Pathways of Light Spiritual Counselor training student

My cat Joey went missing one day. My husband asked if I’d seen him in the morning, and I hadn’t. He didn’t show up for his breakfast. The search began. My three kitties are indoor only, so I looked everywhere, opened every drawer, looked under all the furniture, scoured the closets. I rattled the box of food, which usually brings him running. The basement and garage were searched as well, no cat.

I decided my (guilty) husband had carelessly opened the garage door and he had run outside. So I made flyers, walked through the neighborhood, looking under cars, peering into bushes.

Then I grieved. Two of my cats, my little family, my hearts, had died earlier this year due to a mistake I made. My stepmom died this year as well, my last close family member. She had been the bright light in my life. Losing her was terrible.

After sitting for a time in prayer and meditation, I remembered all is well in truth. I let my story go, my story of disaster, my cat will be run over, he’s terrified of strangers. My story that other cats will attack him, he’ll starve, and on and on. (This was starting to sound familiar.)

When I surrendered my story, my mind returned. Fear dropped away. I had peace, trust and forgiveness instead. I rested in God.

About 10 minutes later I heard his distinctive meow. I have two other cats, and it wasn’t them. I searched the house, high and low, looked all through the basement and garage. I figured it was just hopeful hearing.

The next morning my husband said he’d heard him too, in the back corner of the garage where the freezer is. When I looked up I saw he could have climbed into the space between the ceiling downstairs and the floor upstairs. I planted a bowl of his food on the floor, and the food was gone when I checked 20 minutes later.

Now, how to catch this nervous elusive beast? He won’t let himself be touched. (I have to lure him upstairs into a small room and quick shut the door to catch him for the vet.)

I took charge and devised a plan. I would plant bits of food every three feet, make a trail, the Hansel and Gretel trick. I put the food out, little blobs of it all the way upstairs. I explained my plan to my husband, who promptly walked all over the food. I waited until my husband left and reset the bait. It was a long path, through the garage then basement. Up the stairs, through the kitchen and out into the foyer. That way I could quick shut the door behind him so he wouldn’t bolt back downstairs.

I waited, sitting in an uncomfortable chair. No cat. I started listening to a satsang. They were talking about relinquishing control, how the ego’s plan for happiness is try and do, and stress and worry, but never succeed. The leader then suggested instead of looking at a plan for future happiness, remember God’s truth is now, in the present, and not dependent on outcomes.

It’s so novel to me, understanding gifts that are mine in the immediacy of the moment. Happiness now? Regardless of what appears to be happening? Relax, and trust now? I shifted with such gratitude, to be learning that I am already that, filled with happiness when I open to it.

I stopped worrying about my operation to outwit Joey. I lay down on the couch. I heard him in the kitchen. He traipsed in like he’d never left. When I got up to shut the basement door, I saw that he didn’t even eat the trail of food. All my work for nothing! (The dogs were delighted to clean it up.)

Holy Spirit’s lessons for me are so gentle, always filling me with relief, appreciation and happiness. As I lighten up, the more I give up the blocks I create to the awareness of love and joy, the sillier my plans look. The world will end in laughter, right?

Laura Woodyard is a Pathways of Light student living in Coquille, OR.
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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