We probably see them all over the internet, usually from a Facebook page, of animals that we did not think would not really cohabit with each other, or at least be friendly with each other – cats nuzzling calves, birds sitting on the backs of pigs, and so forth. We wonder if these images are real or made up by AI.
Today’s story and picture are real. Barley, a 7-year old golden retriever, had epilepsy It never occurred to me that a dog would have epilepsy, but never mind. The medication her owners gave her made her lethargic. Enter the4-day old duckling an elementary school teacher needed to rehouse.
Now an adult, the duck and Barley are fast friends. One would think that a dog, a natural hunter, would see the duck as prey, but Barley and the duck play together and even eat from the same bowl. Somehow, I think there’s a lesson in this for us all and how we view others not quite like us.
Prayer for the Day
Prayer for the Day
Healing God, you know our inmost thoughts, fears, and sorrows;
Moving us beyond the walls we create out of fear and anxiety;
Push us beyond the security of the center into the margins;
And forgive us when we look inward instead of outward.
Remove the boundaries we create for ourselves,
And expand our vision beyond our preconceived ideas.
In the name of the One who moves us beyond our fears,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
It is no wonder that just the touch of another human being at a dark time can be enough to save the day.
Frederick Buechner, American writer and theologian (1926-2022))
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance! And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead itself through contemplation!
Clare of Assisi, mystic (1194-1253)
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me.
Let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling;
Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy;
I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God
Psalm 43: 3-4