You could never make a long enough list of the beautiful traits possessed by God the Father and His Only Begotten Son. We study these attributes, we pray for help developing them, and though we often fall short, we work to acquire them.
But there’s one that has delighted me, which I often see when I scroll through Facebook. It’s the sudden rush of love—stripped of all judgment—which all people seem to possess, instantly.
And you see it when a child, or an adult, opens a gift and finds a little puppy inside. The person’s face shows surprise, then absolute joy, as tears stream down their cheeks. They can’t help but exclaim, “Oh, I love him!”
Right away, a well of boundless adoration flows forth, and there’s an immediate bond. The new owner gently scoops the little dog up to their face to kiss them. This little creature has found a loving home, and the owner a lifetime friend. Even a gruff, grizzly guy suddenly melts and speaks tenderly to his new little companion. A tiny tail wags, and the dog cuddles up to a loving master.
How do we feel such an avalanche of pure love? It’s because we are children of God, and this is also one of His traits.
Elder Patrick Kearon has described God’s “relentless pursuit” of us, wanting nothing more than for us to repent, partake of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and come home to His loving arms. Over and over, He forgives us, guides us, and blesses us. He’s there for us through sorrow and injustice. He knows every ache and sadness, and He wants to hold us close and let us feel the pure bliss of coming home.
The analogy continues. Because we love our precious new canine companion, we teach and guide him or her. Rather than let them grow wild and uncontrollable, we train them. We demonstrate the delight of obedience, the loyalty and devotion we will always offer, and the caring they can’t find anywhere else.
This kind of unconditional love is in the heart of every person, every child of God, everywhere in the world. We see little children put their arms around a crying classmate or help a bug climb over a rock. Studies show tiny infants exhibiting altruism and caring for others. This desire to show love is innate within all of us.
Yes, the world with its many trials can harden and embitter us, make us doubt if love exists, and question if life is even worth it. That is, until we feel that surge of caring for someone—or something helpless-that has suddenly landed in our life.
And then we soften. We come back to that Godly trait of selfless love, now unburied and filling our hearts. This is one reason why service is such a huge component of our gospel. We cannot help but feel lifted up and happy when we have been of use to someone in need.
Orson F. Whitney wrote that Joseph Smith expected to have his favorite horse in eternity. The Prophet also said that animals have spirits and will be resurrected. What a joy for pet owners to know the love they feel for—and from– these precious companions will be enjoyed in the afterlife as well.
Heavenly Father and the Savior also emphasize the importance of animals in the temple endowment. Years ago, President Joseph F. Smith, President of the Church, and Elders David O. McKay and Stephen L Richards, members of the Council of the Twelve, said, “Men cannot worship the Creator and look with careless indifference upon his creations. The love of all life helps man to the enjoyment of a better life. It exalts the spiritual nature of those in need of divine favor.” (Juvenile Instructor, Apr. 1918, p. 182.)
I might add that this same affection can accompany the gift of a kitten, a hamster, a baby lamb, or a host of other pets. It also fills our hearts when we rescue a long-waiting older pet at a shelter. Christmas is coming. Maybe this is the year to post someone in your family exclaiming, “Oh, I love him!”
Hilton’s novel, Golden, is now an Amazon audiobook. Her book, A Little Christmas Prayer, is perfect for Christmas– Sometimes it takes a child to raise a village, and this tale teaches anyone, of any faith, the magic of gratitude. All her books and Youtube Mom videos can be found at jonihilton.com
