News from the front porch for Nov. 1

God did not allow man to eat meat before the Great Flood but gave us permission to do so after Noah and his family began to repopulate the earth. At the same time, the Bible tells us in Genesis 9:2 that God placed the fear of man into the animals so that they would know they needed to protect themselves.

However, those animals we generally refer to as "domesticated" remained in close relationship with man. Even animals we don't often think of as pets can offer benefits to man. Researchers have found that when autistic children interact with dolphins, the children become more communicative. Researchers said that eye contact with pets is especially valuable. Animals generally find it very important to greet each other after a period of absence. That's why our pets are so eager to greet us when we come home. It's an important ritual for them, and my husband and I always enjoy the warmth of the moment when our kitties greet us.

Researchers have also found that when pets are introduced into a family setting, families generally show more signs of closeness and warmth. There is healthier playing and less arguing. One of the most surprising findings was that when people give attention to their pets, blood pressure drops. Even gazing into an aquarium lowers blood pressure. People with the highest blood pressure benefit the most from this interaction.

There is an aquarium in the waiting room of the company I work for as marketing manager. When I walk by it, there is a large pink and peach-colored blood parrot fish that watches me as I walk across the room. I feel instantly calmer when I take a few minutes and give her eye contact. She looks at me like she thinks the waiting room is a people-aquarium that she enjoys watching.

The unconditional love offered by our pets is truly a blessing from God. Additionally, our creator's unconditional love toward us through the forgiveness of sins in Jesus Christ is greater than any other love we can ever experience.

"So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession." James 1:16-18 NLT

Dianne Brady is an author and speaker and can be reached at gracekeeper@comcast.net.