Dear Church Family and Friends,
When Eunita and I first got our dog Joey nearly 3 years ago, it was a joint venture, and I was the more reluctant half of the partnership. I had grown up with two cats that I loved, but I had never had a dog. I equated dogs with foul odors, uncontrollable drool, and backyard minefields. Cats seemed far superior in these respects. As a new dog owner, I was also somewhat naïve. I had no idea how many times I would have to wake up in the middle of the night for the potty breaks puppies require. Given these circumstances, the horizon of my future as a dog owner looked as dreary as an early morning dog walk in January.
And, yet, as I write this letter to you now, Joey has become one of the bright spots of my life. When I arrived home this evening, he ran to greet me with his tail wagging and a fresh beef stick in his mouth. With eager eyes, he dropped the beef stick at my feet. One interpretation of this gesture is that he was offering this out of submission to me—his master. However, I like to think he was offering it to me as a gift and as a sign that he was happy to see me—his buddy.
I think of Joey himself as a gift. To put this in more religious language, I would say he is a blessing. For this reason, I am glad that Sunday, August 21st will be our day to bless our blessings. On that day, we shall celebrate our little and not so little companions during our annual Animal Blessing. May it be an occasion to recognize with gratitude all that they have give to us.
Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Brooks
PS: The animal blessing will take place immediately following our 10 am worship service. The service will be held outdoors on our labyrinth.