St. Francis of Assisi apparently preached to animals. I mean, why not? They’re good listeners and they’re great at looking like they’re interested. You can’t go anywhere without running into some animal – whether it is the dog at your feet, the cat on you lap, a bird in the tree outside your window, a resident spider in the corner of your room, or an earthworm on the sidewalk after the rain. So why not make them a purposeful part of your life?

Worried about feeling silly talking to animals or reading a bible passage out loud just so Spot or Bubbles (your fish) can hear? Think of it as a good first step to being more comfortable evangelizing to other people. We’re all called to talk about God to others – but, I don’t know about you – that can be pretty hard for me. I’m not sure how the other person is going to respond, I feel like I don’t know enough to be able to respond to their questions or critiques, I don’t want to seem pushy about my personal beliefs, then I get all shy and clam up.

But you don’t have to be a street corner, bible thumper to evangelize (not that I’m criticizing that method but there are many of us that are not extroverted enough to do that). My sister had babysitters who were students at the local Christian college. One time she made the comment that she couldn’t understand why they were always so happy! Like, ALWAYS! Yeah, my guess is that it’s probably because they have embraced their faith – and when you do that, there’s no reason to be UNhappy! And just with their attitudes, they evangelized. It wasn’t in-your-face; it wasn’t confrontational, but there was something noticeably different about them…in a good way!

So use the comfort of the solitude you have with your pet (or any animal nearby) to make yourself comfortable with being in your faith. As you walk to get your mail, notice the sparrow in the tree and say, “Why hello there! I see you are enjoying this fine day that God has made, too!” Well, for that one you might want to do it in your head so your neighbors don’t get concerned. But, seriously, can it hurt to say a before meal prayer when you put down the dog’s dinner bowl? I guarantee if you have small children they will LOVE this practice. Not only will it help to instill habits of appreciation, thanks, and praise but it will help to give them the language and comfort level to continue with it as they grow older – with animals OR people! And, really, the worst that could happen is that other people might look at you a little sideways but that just might start a conversation that both of you need.