Spiritual lessons over loss of our pet

[My wife] and I decided today, after many months of consideration, to put our cat, Milo, ‘to sleep’. It was a very difficult and emotional decision. I went to the animal hospital to have it done, and have had a number of prayers and thoughts that I want to share.

Regarding me going to the hospital, as opposed to my wife having to deal with the emotions of it, I have gotten the feeling that it was the right and good thing, in a way demonstration of me laying down my life for my bride. I did something I did not want to do, in order to protect [my wife] – that is sacrifice and Biblical. I feel good about playing that role for her.

Regarding the decision to put Milo to sleep, I feel that God has told me that there is no right or wrong decision here, but either way, my family and I will deal with the outcome of the decision. In addition, I feel that God has told me that the emotions I’m feeling for the loss of Milo are in many ways understandable but unnatural. They are understandable because I have an emotional bond – a love – with him. Unnatural in that the relationship between man and animal is not intended to be on the level of love, as we feel it with humans. I feel God is telling me that many people have pets out of loneliness or looking for comfort, when they can turn to the Him and other people for that. It’s not necessarily harmful that people love their pets, and in some cases, very healing for a person to be emotionally attached to a pet, but it’s not God’s natural order – the need comes from a symptom of our state of sin, and therefore an innate need to feel needed, fear of being alone, need for control, etc. Again, it’s understandable based on our condition, but not His intended order.

Lastly, I prayed for peace in this decision, but I feel that God responded that He does not offer peace in that way. I can’t do what I want and then ask for peace about it and expect to receive peace. My actions all have their repercussions – good and bad in my perspective. I receive peace through trusting in Him, asking for and accepting His will, obeying His call and command, not by doing what I want and then asking Him to make everything ‘all right’ again.

Lord, thank you for your response to my prayer. Thank you for your moment by moment words of wisdom, guidance and love. I pray that you would help me to continue to be receptive to your every call and command, willing to obey, and a good and diligent student of your wisdom.