Each October 4th, the Christian world commemorates the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Francis has been one of the Church’s most beloved saints in the 800 years since his death. He had a love of animals and creation that reminds us that these things are good gifts from a gracious God. One of the ways we commemorate the life of St. Francis is to bring our animals to church once a year for a blessing.

Dozens gathered Monday on the Bluff for our annual “Blessings of the Animals.” Furry creatures of all sizes received a blessing and prayers for health. It was slightly chaotic, filled with barking dogs (and 3 scared cats), it was hot, and the no-see-ums were thick, but it was a beautiful time of remembering that pets are a great blessing from God.

Pets remind us how much God cares for us. Though we get frustrated when a cat claws a couch or a dog chews up a shoe, they inevitably wiggle their way into our hearts. They are totally dependent upon us, as we are dependent upon God’s grace. When we are lonely, our pets offer companionship. When we are sad, they offer comfort. It is a right and good thing to gather once a year to say, “Thank you” to the Creator who saw fit to give us these gifts and to ask him to bless both us and them.

Pastor Nathan