My daughter is coming home from Denver for a visit in a few weeks. I asked if she was planning to see friends or do anything special while here. Her response, “I just want to snuggle with Myah” while I’m home. Myah is our 13-year-old lab-pointer mix or at least that is what the rescue organization guessed about her heritage.
Most of us can relate to the comfort and unconditional love that a dog so freely gives (no disrespect to cats!). It’s the kind of love that when you leave them inside for 2 minutes to walk to the mailbox and on your return are greeted with a wagging tail, melty eyes, and wiggly body as if you were gone for weeks.
A relationship with a dog can sensitize us to a deeper connection with all of creation. We are part of this wonderful world that is ultimately interconnected. It’s a comforting reminder especially in this time of division and strife.
Unlike humans, many who may love conditionally, dogs offer an unbiased and unconditional love. They don’t care how we look, how successful we are, or the mistakes we’ve made. They’re incredibly forgiving. They think we are better than we are. Their endless affection reminds us of the kind of unreserved love God has for us.
God tells us we can learn from all the animals. “But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; Ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being,” Job 12:7-10.
In the story of Job, his faith is tested through the unimaginable loss of his wealth, his children and terrible physical afflictions. Job had every reason not to trust in these words, yet he remained steadfast in his commitment to God. God teaches us that the world, and what happens in it, and what happens to it, is in our hands, too. This is the purpose for which God has created us, to love the Lord our God with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength; and our neighbor as ourselves.
Unfortunately, the world does not always give back with unwavering gratitude like our furry friends. Yet, we persevere knowing that God will be holding us always. Creation needs us to care for each other, our community, and the world regardless of the ultimate outcome.
Whether you are with your beloved pet or have memories of a special pet, hold fast to the snuggles, bask in their unconditional love, find joy in their care or even in struggling with their care, and ask yourself, what is God teaching you in those moments? Can your care and their need for you to be their caregiver be the catalyst for how you go into the world?
Living and sharing in God’s love with you,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation