Last week, when we launched Moms in Prayer, the attribute of God we chose for our prayer sheet was Comforter. This week, I’ve experienced God’s comfort as we made the difficult decision to put our kitty down. I know many of you are not cat fans, and that’s okay—stay with me here.

Our oversized, docile tabby had been part of our family for 12 years and we grieve his sweet presence in our home. The kids received sympathy calls and texts from friends who had watched Bogey for us when we traveled or snuggled with him at sleepovers at our house. Bo was part of their adolescence.

He was like your coziest sweatshirt or favorite worn-in slippers. Always present, always gentle, always comforting.

Like a child leaving home, pets also leave us. But God comforts, consoles, and reassures us in these times. He knows and understands the tenderness and love we have for our animals as members of our families, and He graciously walks us through our suffering.

He is the Father of compassion.

He is the God of all comfort.

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. (2 Corinthians 1: 3,4)

While I miss the warmth of having my fluffy friend purring near my feet, I am comforted by the peace of God’s presence.

Now you might be thinking, “It’s just a cat.” And I would say…you are right. But the point is that God carries us through life’s ups and downs, and whether big or small, He’s in them all.

He is always present, always gentle, always comforting.

“Turn my mourning into gladness and give me comfort and joy instead of sorrow.” Jeremiah 31:13