Bless the Beasts and the Children

Wednesday, October 4^th is the Feast of Saint Francis. St. Francis believed that he could see God in all of creation, and particularly in animals. It’s a great day to gather the family together and give thanks to God for creation, and to ask God’s blessing upon the animals: pets, livestock, and even the birds and other wildlife. We are enriched by all of them - what better reason to give thanks!

Here are a few ideas you may want to try in your household:

• Gather all the family members, including the pets, and have every human lay hands upon the pet. One person prays, giving thanks to God for creating such a rich variety of animals and specifically for the love and any other gifts (service, protection, laughter) that each particular pet brings to the household.  
• No pets? Gather the family to give thanks for the backyard wildlife. Before the sun goes down walk together around the back yard or even the neighborhood, taking note of all the creatures (or evidence of them) that you see: birds, squirrels, worms, butterflies, vultures, deer, rabbits, or raccoons. After your walk, gather to pray. Give thanks to God for the wonders of creation and name all the animals you saw or thought about on your walk.
• Artsy-craftsy folks? Have everyone draw pictures of their favorite animals, cut pictures out of magazines, or turn thumbprints into critters. Then use the pictures to make a collage and give thanks for God’s great creation, specifying the animals you made into art.
• Farm families know the value of their animals, but do you ever stop and give thanks for the blessing of their contributions to your table and your bank account? Gather the family in the barn and praise God together for this source of goodness in your household. Name the cows and the chickens and the goats and the dogs - whatever livestock inhabits and contributes to your household. 
• Live alone with a trusted pet companion? Take some time to really consider how God has blessed you with your pet. Pause to give thanks to God for the many aspects of your blessing.

Integrating time with God into the everyday events of your life will help you, and other members of your household, to see God’s constant presence and the blessings upon us. Building cues into our lives that remind us of God’s love and faithfulness will make us more grateful and happier people - and the same is true for kids.

     So celebrate the pets this week! And pay attention to what else makes your heart swell with gratitude!