Day 4

“I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done.” (Psalm 143:5, NLT)

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV)

Your grief isn’t trying to hurt you; it just wants to be heard.

Have you ever thought about your time with your pet as a story?

Stories have a beginning, middle, and end. They have main characters and supporting characters, conflict and resolution. They are made up of funny scenes, challenging moments, and episodes of heartbreak. Good stories can motivate, inspire, and shape us. And a powerful story will stay with us long after the words the end are uttered.

You and your pet had a powerful story—one that God had written from the very beginning. A story that deserves to be shared.

You don’t have to have dreams of being a published author to write the story of your relationship with your pet. If you had a pet, you have a story. One with a beginning, middle, and, unfortunately, an end—full of comedy and drama and lots of beautifully mundane moments.

And as painful as it might be to recall some of those moments, it is important to remember the entirety of our story.

The days that built the routines we miss so much. The seasons that brought challenges as well as comfort. The years that forged the beautiful relationship we had with them.

It might hurt to remember; it would hurt worse to forget.

Your moments with your pet tell the story of how God brought you to each other—how you bonded, got to know each other, and became true companions and friends. It is a story worth remembering and worth sharing with others.

And while your heart may be breaking from this painful chapter, your story isn’t over. Your heart will always bear your pet’s paw prints, and your life will be forever changed by the love you shared.

Invite God to speak to you through your grief. Ask him to remind you of the beautiful story you shared with your pet. A story that remains with you even now.

When you’re ready . . .

Summarize your story with your pet in a sentence or two. It might help to think of your story like a movie and then write a brief description of the movie. Spend a few minutes thanking God for writing such a beautiful story of friendship and love between you and your pet.

Prayer

Lord, it hurts to remember my story, but I know it would hurt worse to forget. Help me remember the love, the mundane moments, and the highlight reels. And when I’m ready, help me share my story with a friend.