I'm reminded anew of God's grace in allowing us to have domesticated animals. They give us so much joy. And I have realized there are things that these animals teach us about ourselves and about God.
1. God bestows common grace through pets.
His common grace refers to that grace of God bestowed to all people, including unbelievers. Examples of His common grace include good food, sunshine, rain, clothing, art, and definitely pets. The limitless joy that caring for animals gives us is a taste of God's goodness.
2. We are not animals.
Despite Darwin, despite Nietzsche, despite the cruel barbarism that "modern science" teaches, humans are not animals. We are created in the image of God with a unique, spectacular purpose - to mirror the glory of God to the rest of the world. We were given dominion over the animals. Jesus didn't die for cats. He died for His people.
3. Curiosity is a virtue.
When we go for walks, Kit sniffs everything - the rocks, the road, the weeds, the litter. She is enamored by the world. In awe of the way the air smells. Starved for wonder. She wants to see and hear and do and explore everything. And I smile - because she reminds me that curiosity didn't kill the cat; it opened her eyes to countless new and wondrous things.
4. Happiness is found in simplicity.
Kit does not live a lifestyle of the rich and famous. She eats dog food and drinks water and gets to roam outside and sleep in a warm bed. But she is undeniably, inescapably happy. It's true, we aren't dogs, but she reminds me that joy is found in simple living.
Humanity is consumed with a devout pursuit of happiness - and we attempt to find it everywhere except its solitary source, God. True, lasting joy is found in delighting in the Lord and gratefully rejoicing in the people He's given us and the place He's put us.