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I love Lucy and Lily.

Lucy is my dog. She’s been my companion through a lot—moves, hard days, holidays, lazy afternoons, and the general chaos of everyday life. Lily is technically my mother’s dog, but since I’m the one walking her, feeding her, taking her to the groomer, and dealing with her squirrel-chasing shenanigans, I think it’s safe to say she’s mine now too.

They’re very different. Lucy is calm, loyal, shy, observant. She’s been to the blessing of the animals at churches I’ve served so many times I’ve lost count. Truly—I think all those blessings helped her. She doesn’t jump up on people. She doesn’t act like a maniac when someone comes to the door. She’s been to worship services, church events, even a committee meeting or two. She takes it all in stride, like she’s got her own membership to the church.

Lily… Lily is what I lovingly call a “hot mess express.” She is full of personality and joy and energy. She sees a person or another dog and immediately acts like it’s the best moment of her entire life. She jumps, she spins, she makes little yipping sounds of excitement.  And honestly, that enthusiasm is contagious. She makes me laugh out loud.

They’re part of my daily rhythm now, Lucy and Lily. They’re there when I get up. They’re there when I come home. They listen (well, sometimes), they snuggle (at least Lily does), they lay right next to me when I’m writing a sermon or making phone calls, praying about the week ahead.

People say having a pet lowers your blood pressure. That they reduce stress and even help prevent heart disease. And that’s not just anecdotal—there’s science behind it. The National Institute of Health (NIH) and the CDC have both published studies showing that pet ownership can lead to decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, fewer feelings of loneliness, and greater overall emotional wellbeing. Just 10 minutes of petting a dog or cat can significantly lower cortisol levels—the hormone our bodies produce when we’re stressed. And according to the American Heart Association, dog owners are more likely to meet daily exercise recommendations than those without pets. That extra walk around the block? Turns out it’s good for both your heart and your soul.

Now, let me be honest—it’s not always relaxing to have pets. Especially when you have to take them to the vet. I had to take Lucy recently for what turned out to be a minor infection. Nothing major, thank goodness. But the moment I noticed something was off, I went into full panic mode: “Oh no, Lucy! What’s wrong??” I swear she looked up at me like, “Calm down, I’m fine.” But once we got to the vet’s office, she tucked herself so tightly against my side that it felt like she was trying to merge into my body. It was her way of saying, “Please don’t leave me here.” Of course, I didn’t. I rubbed her ears and whispered to her the whole time while she sat in my lap.

And that’s love. Not the big, showy, dramatic kind—but the kind that sits close when you’re scared. The kind that greets you at the door every time like it’s the best moment of the day. The kind that listens without needing to fix it. The kind that makes you feel safe, known, and never alone.

Lucy and Lily remind me every day of what love looks like. Sometimes it’s calm and quiet and leans in when things are hard. Sometimes it’s full of joyful energy, zooming through the house and knocking over throw pillows. But always—it’s present. Always, it’s unconditional. Always, it’s grace on four legs.

If you’ve got a furry friend at home, give them a little extra attention today. A belly rub, a walk, a treat they didn’t earn but totally deserve. And if you don’t have a pet, maybe you’ll take a moment to notice the other forms of unconditional love in your life. God has a way of showing up in all kinds of ways. Sometimes in the sanctuary, sometimes in Scripture, and sometimes—believe it or not—curled up next to you, tail wagging, waiting for nothing more than to just be near.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy