What a Gift!

Yesterday was our dog’s birthday. This is always a day my youngest son remembers, and so do I—although I think I remember it because it’s a few days after my own birthday. But my son? Usually February starts with a smile for him, because he says “Oh, it’s Susie’s birthday month. And maybe somebody else’s in the family, too…”

Gee, thanks.

Actually, our dog is probably the one member of the family that everyone loves all of the time. What’s not to love? Her biggest goal in life seems to be to please and serve us. She has a knack for making all of us feel like she loves each one of us better than the others.

My husband was recently reading a book about how certain animals in God’s Kingdom point to God’s great love for us. He gave “soulish” animals an ability to bond with human beings, even if that bonding has nothing to do with its survival (as would be the case for dogs dependent upon the owner for food). It mentions lions and ravens, goats, horses, eagles, even the ox that historically as a bovine group has probably provided more work benefits to mankind than any another animal species.

Each one of these animal, and a few more, are mentioned in the Bible. What we learn is that they’ve all been programmed not only to be of special value to serve mankind, but to be able to bond with humans in some extraordinary way, if treated right. Horses, for example, will charge into battle to please their owner—something that defies any logical survival-of-the-fittest requirement. The bonding capacity is stronger than its will to survive. (See the movie War Horse if you doubt that!)

Well, I don’t know if our sweet Susie would charge into battle with us, but she’s certainly been designed to please and comfort just as every other dog has been. What human being can fail to be comforted, amused or pleased by the sight of a wagging tail?

There are so, so many examples all around us, every day, of God’s great love for us. I just don’t understand someone who can see the miracles in every direction and not see God’s hand.

Here’s an old video of a lion that bonded with two Englishmen back in the late 60s. This is the kind of extraordinary bond I’m talking about! Who can doubt that God gave us animals as a gift when we see something like this?

So… if you have a dog or cat or any kind of pet go give ’em a hug today! Then thank God for his incredible imagination and generous gifts.