The Gift That keeps on Giving

Tis is better to give than receive. That is what this season of Christmas is all about, giving my loved ones gifts as expressions of my love. But let me get real – receiving gifts is pretty good too, and not just at Christmas time.

I particularly like to get gifts that I can learn from, that I can grow with and that add fun and spice to my journey and maybe snuggle with from time to time. You probably are thinking “Wow, she’s pretty tough to shop for.” Actually, no. Just the opposite.

Just ask God, He knows. During my life, He has given me several such gifts. Each has been the same while being completely unique. I have learned something invaluable from these gifts and my life’s journey will never be the same because He bestowed these upon me. Let me tell you about a few:

Patches

She taught me loyalty, faithfulness and love. (And to always come home after a long day romping around the neighborhood.)


















Lucy

She taught me love, love, and more love. (And to never stop smiling, even when you lose your sight.)















Cap’t. Morgan

He is teaching me curiosity, mischievousness, and love. (And to always fight for the one you love - even if it means drawing a little blood.)


















Gracie

She is teaching me alertness, playfulness, and love. (And the first one to the big chair wins and is queen of everything.)













These gifts and others like them have given me so much over the course of my life. And even though some of them are no longer leaving fur tumble weeds in my butter or muddy paw prints on my pants as I dash out the door their memories and souls live on inside me. They continue to teach me and let me love them.

I think the unconditional and pure love of an animal - no matter what size, shape or form it comes in - is about as close to God’s pure and unconditional love as we can get here on earth. (If you think about it, the animals God saved on the ark out-numbered the people exponentially.)

Perhaps that’s why God gave us the gift of animals as companions. By drawing close to our furry and feathered friends and loving and being loved unconditionally our Heavenly Father is really drawing us closer to Himself.

And as Snoopy says, "Happiness is a warm puppy," (or a fluffy little parrot.) Not even Lucy van Pelt can argue with that.

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