“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4, NIV
Joanna was diagnosed with Lupus several years ago. She was unable to work and had to apply for disability. Her grown daughters often came over to handle weekly tasks for her, like cleaning the house and doing laundry. They did grocery shopping for her and coordinated all of her medical appointments.
Still, both of her daughters were busy raising families of their own. Joanna often found herself alone. But she had the comfort of her poodle, Spunky. The small dog seemed to have a knack for knowing when Joanna needed comfort and often cuddled with her at just the right moment.
When Spunky passed away, Joanna was devastated. Her beloved pet had been her companion, comforter, and friend for years. He’d been there for her during some of the darkest moments of her life.
Losing a beloved animal can feel just as painful as losing a member of your family. One way you can cope with your grief is to honor your pet’s memory by doing something. This could be in the form of a monthly donation to your local animal shelter, creating a special scrapbook for your pet, or planting a tree in his memory.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the time I had with {pet’s name}. Please comfort me in my grief and show me how I can honor the beloved friend You gave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
