Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
“Jesus, thank you for the gift of our four legged family. Their presence brings us joy and laughter in a different kind of way that human love cannot. Their innocence teaches us perspective on life. Their loyalty encourages us to forgive. Their courage and guard motivates us to move forward and proceed cautiously into unchartered territory when we hesitate. Their patience, gentleness, and physical touch teaches us family values. Their wiggling tail touches us and puts a smile on our face. Thank you for giving us all the gift of a pooch and the joy they bring.”
Andre Sergeyev is a Daily Meditations reader. He sent me an encouraging note yesterday which included this amazing prayer. I touched me so much I am sharing it.
God’s gifts in creation, including the four legged ones, do make us better people when we appreciate the good they can bring into our life. Sergeyev rightly notes that they bring us joy and laughter and teach us lessons that seem beyond human capability. I particularly appreciated his insight that they motivate us to move forward.
Though I am in a time of mourning, that’s exactly what Joy would want me to do. Keep walking.
He nails it that their “patience, gentleness, and physical touch” help us become the people God made us to be: family-oriented and loving. Pause today and give thanks for the gift of our four legged friends. And be sure to smile next time you see a wiggling tail. And keep that smile on your face to spread the joy generously.
God thanks for the gift of Joy St. Clare who did all these things and more for 13+ years. Help me be the person she thought I was, one day at a time. Amen.