There is quite a bit of time involved in caring for a person or animal in our lives, but the joys given back to us are many…

Each morning I go downstairs and am greeted with the hopping happiness of a little (and growing quickly) Benjamin rabbit. He’s smart, and knows that I will be bringing him timothy hay and pellets and fresh water. But before all of that, he sticks his little nose out of the cage and wants to have his head and under his neck petted. He’s so warm and soft and unexpectedly, lovable.

After I prepare lunch for the day, I bring him a treat of a strawberry top or two and he makes the happiest little chewing sounds. Before we leave for work, he is contentedly stretched out napping.

I am surprised at how happy it makes me to have this little guy eating and eating and filling up the compost pile. I was sure this would be his great contribution to our family and the garden, but, as it turns out, he has given us so much more.

We are created to love and meet the needs of the people and animals in our lives and when we do, I really believe it fulfills a need we have – of community and connection. Or just the very basics of being needed and belonging.

I wish for you – a day full of strawberry tops!

~Michele