When invited to identify specific blessings they receive from their pets, people often name such things as unconditional love, companionship, protection, meeting their need to be needed, motivation to walk daily, playfulness and contentment. Some also speak of the roles their companion animals play in helping them maintain their independence and providing services to help them manage disabilities.
Animals are a blessing, both in what they provide to us and in their intrinsic value as beloved members of God’s creation. In Psalm 104, the psalmist praises God for the wonderful diversity of all that God has made, including creatures large and small, of land and sea.
In blessing the animals, we affirm our connection with one another and with all of God’s beloved creation. Within blessing lies promise, commitment and inspiration to care for what belongs to God, to live together in peace and harmony and to embrace our calling to be good stewards of all that God has made.
This message is excerpted from “Living creatures of every kind” by Julie Kanarr in the October 2017 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate Francis of Assisi, renewer of the church, 1226; and Theodor Fliedner, renewer of society, 1864.
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