“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good…” (Gen. 1:25)
My brother and his wife have a soft spot for animals. They are not just cat people or dog people, but they love all animals, and their house is full of adopted cats and dogs of all sizes. I, on the other hand, am a dog person, as anyone who reads my blog and knows me personally can attest. I tolerate cats, but most of my affection is reserved for my Yorkie companion, Lilly.
When a friend asked if I could help find homes for his mom’s cats (she was moving out of state), I was willing to help as long as I didn’t have to take one in myself. He found homes for all but one sweet, laid-back, coal-black cat, and he asked if my parents would take care of him. Since they live in a neighborhood with many cats roaming around, they agreed.
This cat joined the herd that came by for a drink of water and a quick bite to eat. He found a good cat friend in one of the more reticent black-and-white cats that wouldn’t allow us to get close to him. Eventually, this black cat helped his good friend out of his shell, and finally, the black-and-white cat allowed us to get close enough to pet him.
At first, I thought it was silly to become so attached to these cats, but God can even use a cat to teach a truth about himself. In helping feed these cats, I realized my dismissive attitude toward these animals was wrong. People are often like cats, which can be self-centered, demanding, and hard to love. It was easy to dismiss them and think someone else would take care of them.
However, God created them and loves them, and we should love them, too—people and cats! We are called to take care of the things God created—all things (Gen. 2:15). After he had made each part of creation, he “saw that it was good”—the last of these being humans (Gen. 1:9, 12, 18, 21, 25, 31).
Sometimes it takes an unexpected opportunity taking care of a friend’s cat to discover I haven’t been as open to loving others as I should be, and this realization has allowed me to look beyond the gruff exterior some people present and show the love of Jesus to the hurting human being inside.
Dear Jesus, thank you for the lessons you teach us through our pets. Help me remember that everyone is going through something, and a gruff exterior is often a shield protecting someone from hurt. Show me how to love others even when they don’t make it easy. Amen.
Interesting viewpoint. I am neither a dog person, nor a cat person. I can be friendly towards both, but don’t desire. What would you consider the qualities of horses, which are my favorite “pets?”
Horses also make great companions. My uncle raised and trained horses for many years. They’re loyal, strong, usually) quite friendly, and expressive. The horses I’ve known have all had distinct personalities and ways they communicate vocally. They’re amazing creatures.