A Winter Walk, a Grumble, and a Lesson on God’s Love

Have you ever had one of those moments where God teaches you something profound in the simplest way? That happened to me about seven years ago, and of all things, He used my pets to do it.

I care about pets - dogs & cats . I like to make sure they’re safe, well-fed, and taken care of. I don’t like seeing them hurt, lost, or suffering, and I don't mind spending money on them to make sure they are in good health.

But one winter day, I found myself grumbling. It was freezing outside—4 degrees, which is rare for North Carolina—but my dog wouldn’t relieve herself unless we walked her. So, I bundled up, braced myself for the cold, and took her out. My husband kindly reminded me “it's cold outside, that's YOUR dog!” I did give him the evil eye, but I digress, let's move on!

As I trudged along, I muttered to my dog, “You better be glad you have me cause I do more for you than you do for me!”

And right then, the Holy Spirit gently whispered, “That’s love. And that’s exactly how the Father feels about you.”

Wow!

I stood there for a moment - like 3 seconds (it was cold, remember?) letting that truth sink in. My love for my pets isn’t based on what they can do for me; it’s about what I want to do for them because I love them. I care for them, feed them, protect them, and provide for them—not because they earn it, but simply because they belong to me.

And isn’t that exactly what God does for us?

God doesn’t need us to do anything for Him, yet He delights in caring for us. He provides, protects, and blesses us—not because we’ve worked for it, but because we are His. That’s the kind of love He has for you. A love that gives freely. A love that doesn’t keep score. A love that never stops pursuing.

So today, I want to encourage you: Take a moment to reflect on God’s love for you. Not just in the big things, but in the small, everyday ways He shows up. Let your heart rest in the truth that you are deeply loved—simply because you are His.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” – 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Be blessed!

Tereciah