Daily Devotional January 12, 2021

Last week I was on vacation.  It was not a good week.

For the past eighteen months, Shannon has been treating one of our horses for cancer.  This included taking Hope to Texas A&M eight times, daily chemotherapy applications, and three surgical procedures.  None of it worked.

A few months ago, we brought Hope home.  The goal was to let her live a peaceful life until she began to experience pain, then, she would be put down, and buried on our ranch.  This past week, as Hope became more lethargic, confused, and disoriented as she walked around the pasture, we knew it was time.

Friday, I took the Bobcat into the pasture, dug a hole that was seven feet wide and nine feet deep. 

She is now in Heaven.

Hope was awesome.  She was more of a giant dog than a horse.  I will always remember how she rested her head on my shoulder.  Shannon and I will miss her.  The good news is I am convinced we will get to see her again.

While the Bible never specifically says we will see our pets again, people much smarter than I am have the same opinion.

Pope Paul VI, C.S. Lewis, and Pope Francis, all believe that there are animals in heaven.

If you look at the dawn of history, in creating the perfect environment God intended humankind to live, animals were everywhere.

But for me, in my simpleton way of reasoning, I believe in heaven, God would never deprive us of something we truly love.  This makes me believe in the next life, Shannon will throw a saddle across Hope’s back, and ride through beautiful fields of gold.  I cannot wait to see that happen. 

This is because God is the One who heals all disease, comforts every hurt, brings joy where there is sorrow, and life where there was death. 

God says, “Behold, I make all things new.”  (Revelation 21:5)

Hope’s new.  I’m good with that.  I am looking forward to seeing her again.

Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for the animals we love.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

One last thing.  When I get to heaven, I fully expect to be reunited with Hope.  She will come up, rest her head on my shoulder, and let me know that Friday was an act of love and mercy.

Also, just for the record.  Hope will be much happier to see me than Shannon.  That’s because I never made her work.  Shannon would always ride her but I’m the one who rubbed her nose and gave her endless treats.  I am her favorite.

I am looking forward to heaven.  I hope you are too.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins