Pastoral Ponderings—Woofstock—27 AUG 25
“What the heck is Woofstock?” I wondered when I saw the t-shirt while at the vet to get our barn cat fixed. Looked like fun, whatever it is! So I looked it up when I got home—It’s a big pet festival and blessing that’s a fund-raiser for some pet charity, with parades, costumes, “dog diving” and more. I don’t know if it’s a traveling show or not—but one happened in Warren a couple weeks ago, but fear not—it’s coming to Cleveland on Sep. 7!
What is it about our pets that brings out such love and joy? When I was a kid, we were “pet owners,” but now we’re “pet parents,” or grandparents! Even to the point of some people (my mom and wife included!) who think it’s almost cruel to keep animals outside—I had to arrange for a secret hand-off in order to get past Karol’s reluctance, in order to order to get a barn cat to keep the Evil Beasties at bay from our barn!
For dogs, it seems to be their embodiment of acceptance, grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. Cats aren’t quite there yet—but a cat’s purr can cover a lot of sin, especially when they join you with your purr when you need it most (I so wish I could purr!).
Unfortunately we who are stuck in human flesh can’t purr, and don’t seem to have it in us to be as loving as our dogs. But when we think on and are reminded by their love for us, be reminded how important that undemanding love truly is. And though we can’t purr, sharing cookies is almost as good. And don’t even think about doing that loving licking that dogs do—from them, it’s a blessing—but NOT from you! But we CAN be sensitive enough to others to pay attention to when they need some care and loving the most—maybe not as perceptively as dogs do, but we can be more intentional about paying attention to others and try.
I know it’s a dog’s life sometimes—but when you think about it, that’s not all bad! So even if we have a hard time loving others like God loves—we can at least get close when we follow the example of a good loving dog (or cat), so let the furry friends lead the way!
Whether with four legs or two– keep being a blessing! — Pastor Jim
(and author of “Mr. Snickers Bigglesworth And Other Purrty Pet Poetry”…)