I Want One of Those.
January 31, 2024
I know we’ve all probably said those words at some point in our lives. More than likely when we were younger and saw something shiny, or soft and cuddly. It’s what I think when I look at this photo of an alpaca.
Now, I don’t really want one. Even though it is cute and loveable-looking, caring for an animal like this takes a commitment I’m not ready to give.
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Alpacas are known for being gentle and easy to handle. They are the perfect farm animal if you have children because of their size and demeanor. They are smaller than their close relative, the llama, and not as confident and brave.
Alpacas do not head-butt, do not have horns or hooves, and are not likely to run into or over someone intentionally. Still, it is recommended to take care around alpacas since they can be startled, and the males are known to have sharp fighting teeth that could cause some harm to humans.
Similar to other farm animals, alpacas need basic shelter and protection from heat and foul weather. Hay, minerals, and fresh water should be available at all times. And just like many other animals, they need vaccinations, preventive medication, and de-worming, all under a veterinarians care. They require yearly shearing, and their toenails need trimmed as needed. So, they can take a lot of work.
Still, I just want to walk up and rub the top of his head.
I read or heard something this week, and I apologize for not being able to remember where, so I can’t footnote it, but it went something like this… “We don’t convince people to believe in Jesus by beating them over the head with the faults we find in their view. Jesus convinces them through our showing them something so beautiful they say, ‘I want that.’”
Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Ephesians.
“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV)
People are drawn to others who are humble, patient, and loving. And when they see that the common denominator in all those things is “the unity of the Spirit”, then they may say, “I want that.”
Our hope lies in the One who unifies us as Christians. It is through Him that we are able to live a life that others want.
Information on alpacas taken from… https://www.alpacainfo.com/academy/about-alpacas
I want to rub that head too 🙂 Love the quote you used and I wish everyone would take it to heart.
Thank you, Teresa. They are cute.
I have a friend who owns five alpacas and two llamas. We helped him when he sheared this last spring and it was a blast. They were so docile, the alpacas, and so dignified when they walked up to us. And the amount of fleece they provide. Wow. We hope to help them again this spring.
Wow, that sounds interesting. They are a regal animal.
Thank you for your thoughts, Tim. I ask God to help me do what He wants so I can reflect who He is.
Thank you, Joni. Great advice for us all.
As always, Tim, you nailed me this week. Because some women at church have been shunning me, this week I returned the favor and avoided everyone of them. One lady came up to talk to me and, I think, try to make amends. But, I was pretty distant and cold. I need to go back and work on that “bearing with one another in love” thing— so others can want what I have (So they can actually see Jesus in me.)
Thank you for sharing, Jane. I always love hearing your heart on things. It’s a journey for sure.