On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me —

3 dancing pigs,

2 handmade bells, and a portrait to put on the tree.

I wish we owned a pig. I hear they’re very smart and clean! No, the 3rd ornament to have on your tree is not a pig, but the animals we love. Sometimes it’s a pet and sometimes it’s simply an animal we admire or that is like us.

Though I don’t have a pig, I do have 13 lb. terripoo, Bree. I never thought I could grow so attached to an animal, until having Bree. She helps me understand why even homeless people who don’t have enough food for their own bodies would choose to care for a dog. Among other things, they are fiercely loyal companions who love you no matter how much you’ve messed up. My dog helps teach me about this agape love.

But there are other animals, too, that instinctually have an amazing work ethic, perseverence, and care for their young. Truly, we can learn a thing or two from studying them, hence respecting their presence among us. God made these creatures for us… to take care of, to help us, and to enjoy.

So for Christmas, though we dress these animal figures to suit our tastes (e.g. pigs in tutus — I do love to dance, after all), let us look to them and not only smile because we are like them in so many ways, but look to even them to teach us.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me — visit here tomorrow to see.