Pets

In Genesis, starting with verse 20, we see the beginning of God's living creations.  Starting with the creatures of the sea, followed by the birds of the air, then the animals on the land, he brought his new world to life with a stunning array of living things.  But it was not enough.  After all the living things were flourishing, then he created humans.  People and animals are meant to go hand in hand through life.  It is how God created us to be.

Pets have a very special place in our lives, from the earliest days of domestication.  They give us comfort, love, and adoration.  They uplift us in all our moods, brightening a hard day, and enhancing our good times.  They are not driven by the ego of worldly pursuits; rather, they are driven by dependence upon us.  But with animals, as with children, our satisfaction of their needs builds trust and love.  I don't know what animals Jesus interacted with, other than that famous donkey who unwittingly played a role on Palm Sunday, but I have no doubt that he would have loved an animal or two along the journey.

Today I am so grateful for all the pets through the years which have made my life incomparably better.  Dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, even fish have shared my life and brought me such joy and pleasure.  I have a house filled with love, because every day I have TidBit, Gizmo, Meow, and Gershwin waiting for me, needing me, longing to be with me.  They fill a unique place in my heart, and I am thankful to have them.