God brings us many chances to learn,
Through those that come into our lives,
We are given the opportunity to grow,
When we share our lives with others -- we learn.

The lessons we learn in this lifetime,
Are as varied and numerous,
As the forms of teachers,
That we share our life with.

Some of them are human,
Others come in canine form,
And still others are feline,
All together they teach many lessons.

Many of the lessons they share,
We get right away,
While others it takes longer,
For us to grasp their meaning.

The human lessons we receive,
Come through many different sources,
And are scattered all throughout,
The years or months we spend here.

Through both marriage and friendship,
Bring lessons about love and commitment,
Leaning to care for someone else,
Putting their needs above your own.

Even the sadness of divorce or death,
Bring lessons that are helpful,
We learn about the shortness of life,
And the importance of God in our lives.

When we open our hearts,
And bring into our lives,
A canine or feline friend,
Our lives become a gift.

A gift that we both receive and give,
A blessing we share with God,
As we care for these special beings,
Whether young or old, we are blessed.

Both puppies and kittens,
Whether or not their mother is there,
Teach us the crucial importance,
Of appreciating those that care for us.

As they struggle in the dark,
To find the nourishment they need,
They are confident in the knowledge,
That God will take care of them.

As their eyes open and they see the world,
Their young bodies growing and getting stronger,
They learn about sharing, about give and take,
As they tumble along making their way through life.

When sickness comes to call,
With its variations of pain and suffering,
We watch with awe as they take it in stride,
Never angry with God or screaming, "Why me?"

And at whatever the age, or whatever the circumstances,
When we as humans touch their lives,
They look up to us with unlimited trust,
As we walk with them, they teach us about love.

Whether their stay with us is long or painfully short,
The lessons we learn are up to us,
Most of the time we humans,
Think that we are the superior race.

However, all it takes is one happy smile,
That greets us at the door, day after day,
And then waits patiently for us,
To shed our silly worries and woes.

They are called God's creatures for a reason,
If we are open to their lessons,
They teach us so many, many things,
But most importantly, they teach us unconditional love.

Comments would be appreciated by the author, Jacqueline Newport