I’m working from home tonight, and as I write my almost 16
year old cat Monty is crawling into my lap, meowing, purring, and rubbing his
face on my hands and laptop. Mikey, a
2-year old cat I brought home from the humane society in April is curled up
behind me after laying on my clipboard and chewing a bit on my pen and
notes. Monty’s sister Lilly is curled up
nearby. A typical night at the Johnson
house.
My baby book says my first word was “kitty.” I have always loved animals. It runs in my blood. My Dad rescued hurt or stranded animals. My Mom and I go to the zoo when I’m
home. She doesn’t currently have
official “pets”, but takes joy in watching the hummingbirds and other birds she
feeds, and is delighted by 3 frogs living in the planters in the backyard.
Monty and Lilly have lived with me in 4 states traveling
across the county. Present through
highs, lows, and the everyday for 15 years including a broken engagement, work
shooting, illness and death of my Step-Dad, discernment, seminary, ordination,
and the two churches I’ve served. We’ve
played & slept. We talk to each
other, keep each other warm when it’s cold out.
They bring comfort when I’m sick, sad or lonely and increase my joy when
happy. Two days after Christmas Monty
became ill. He has a chronic condition we’ve managed, but it is worsening and
will be terminal so I now have the honor of seeing to his care in a new way.
I share this knowing you have similar stories, some of which
you’ve shared with me in our 3 years together and to show how animals become
beloved companions and friends. If we
have such love for them, just imagine the love that God must have for these
creatures starting in Genesis Chapter 1!
Animals are part of God’s creation and are a blessing to us, so it makes
sense we should pause to give thanks for what they bring to our world and our
lives and ask God’s blessing over them.
I hope you, your friends and your animal friends can join us on August
13th as we do just that.
With Joy in Creation, Lori+
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