One of the most enjoyable parts of getting a pet is choosing a name. We try different ones on our tongue, perhaps gather the family and take a poll, or say them aloud and let the cat or dog choose.
This week is National Pet ID Week–a time to make sure your pet’s name and contact information is readily accessible should your pet become lost and to spread the word about having your pet properly identified with a tag and/or microchip.
As I was thinking about this, I also began to think of the importance of the pet names we choose. Some are based on appearance–Rusty, Marshmallow, Patches, Tigger. Others choose a name according to personality–Zippy or Angel.
My first dog was named Happy because even though he’d been abandoned, he always wagged his tail. I’m drawn to nature names like River and Daisy, or opposite names, such as Hercules for a tiny Chihuahua, or Buttercup for a burly mastiff.
Did you know that more than 50% of pet parents choose a human first name for their pet? My husband and I named dogs after historic figures in our town. Our Dalmatian was named Schuyler after Pieter Schuyler, the first mayor of Albany, New York. And our golden retriever Brooks was named after Ten Breock (pronounced Brook), a founding family in the area.
READ MORE: NO GIFTS, PLEASE. JUST COMPASSION.
Considering what we call our pets got me thinking about how God calls each of us by name too.
But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the One who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Not only does He know our names, but He calls us by some other very special names as well. He calls us beloved, sons and daughters, his heirs and the apple of His eye.
God calls us by name because we are special to Him. We can rest confidently in His loving care.
