Donkeys aren’t usually people’s first choice for a pet. In fact, it wasn’t mine either. I had believed many of the myths surrounding these animals. Until I met some. Until I took my grandchildren to visit the donkey rescue, we drove by daily on the way to our house.
That visit wasn’t really planned. We had passed by the corrals of donkeys so often I didn’t see them any longer. My granddaughter asked if we could stop. Well, why not? We had time. After a brief time in the small information center to learn more about the animals at the rescue ranch, we headed to the corral.
Donkeys and people were milling everywhere. This was my first face-to-face meeting with a donkey, so I was a little leery. My two grandchildren, ages seven and four, were ready to charge right in. I held them by the hand up close to my legs. An attendant came over and let me know there was nothing to worry about.
Four-year-old David marched ahead when I let go of his hand. His head barely reached the belly of most of these beasts. No one, donkey or human, seemed concerned. So, I followed along.
Soon, I noticed one donkey in particular. Already, I was beginning to tell them apart. He was following David. This big animal liked my wee grandson. The two wandered around together for the rest of the visit. That’s the moment I knew donkeys were special.
At home later that day, I told my husband I wanted a donkey. He laughed, thinking there was no way I could be serious. I was. I stopped by the rescue a few days later and inquired about adopting. Sadly, I learned we didn’t have enough acreage for two donkeys. Because of their social nature, the rescue didn’t allow the adoption of only one. Sigh. I couldn’t have a donkey in the backyard.
I had been like so many of us. My opinion of donkeys was based on myth and ignorance. Without ever learning more, I thought they were dumb, mean, and stubborn. Animals to fear.
Oh, how often do we do that very thing with our fellow humans? We judge based on appearance, ignorance, and the opinions of others.
We are told to love others as much as we love ourselves (Mt. 22:39 MSG). Not those who look like us or act like us or think like us. In fact, I don’t see a qualifier at all. We are to love. Think. Has there been someone you thought you couldn’t love, or even like, based on human standards rather than God’s, then later find out this person is a joy to know?
Through the eyes of love, even a dusty, slow-moving donkey can be a delightful friend.
(Reprinted from Donkey Devos:Listen When God Speaks published by Elk Lake Publishing Inc.)
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