Created to Love

Love me, love my dog.

It's not because he's useful; he's really not. It's not because he's an angel; he's not that, either. He sheds. He barks at unexpected noises outside. He requires inconvenient and sometimes expensive vet visits. He wakes me up sometimes in the wee hours of the morning because he needs to go outside. Given half a chance, he'll steal a loaf of bread from the counter and eat it all.

And that's just the beginning. He's got other less-than-endearing traits, too. I know those traits better than anyone. But you know what? I still adore him.

We went to the vet today. He does not like going to the vet. They are always very nice, but he still gets anxious. He spends most of the time during office visits trying to crawl into the four inches behind the bench, or even onto my lap. He's far too big for either. I spend most of my time during office visits talking to the dog. It seems to help.

Why do we do this? What is it about our animals? Why do we grow so attached? Perhaps it is because we are made in the image of a God who loves and nurtures His creation, and created us to do the same, and even more for people.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God" (I John 4:7).

Love God, love His people.