A Horse in the House—A Devotional for Pet Lovers
But from there you shall seek the Lord your God, and you will find him when you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul. — Deuteronomy 4:29, WMB

Spanky’s a curious, very smart class B miniature horse. He should be named Houdini for his successful escapes from the pasture, barn, and yard to seek out his loved ones.
36” tall at his shoulder, his favorite place is with his herd— us, his people. He’s rolled under rails, clambered through wires, and learned to climb the porch steps to get to us. In winter, we often wake to find tiny hoof prints leading up the sidewalk through newly fallen snow to the door.
Our little horse seeks his people out tirelessly regardless of the obstacles in his way.

One summer morning, shortly after learning to maneuver up the porch, we heard pounding on the back door. Hubby answered and Spanky saw that as an invitation to investigate his people’s stall. In he came politely nosing the piano, sniffing the rug, and tossing around the cat toys. But a horse in the house? He was perfectly content lazing in the living room with his herd.
Without ceasing, Spanky constantly works to connect with us on a personal, daily basis. We’re welcomed by his whinnies on arrival home, followed around the pasture on a walk-a-bout, and accept his snuffle kisses on our cheeks. What this little horse knows is that relationship matters and that he is in charge of building those relationships. He’s diligent in that responsibility.
Spanky may be a miniature horse, but his message is a mighty reflection to me of how diligent the Lord is in seeking relationship with me. But how diligent have I been in seeking out the one who loves me most?
Dear Lord, grant me a diligent heart in seeking relationship with you. —Amen