by Joanie Butman
My parents recently adopted a new pet – sort of. Christened “Teddy,” their new companion is a robotic puppy from Ageless Innovation. Created specifically for seniors and dementia patients, this robopet provides comfort and companionship for a largely isolated community – especially during COVID. It’s an emotional support dog that requires no maintenance. Teddy responds to your voice and touch much like a real dog. He barks - so much so that when I’m on the phone with my mom I can hear my dad yelling at the dog to shut up.
Zoom has enabled us to stay “connected” during COVID but that’s different than staying “in touch,” and particularly difficult for the elderly who tend to be technically challenged. You don’t have to conduct a study (though many have) to understand humanity’s need for companionship. God tells us from the beginning in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone.” And we never have to be because Christ promises to be with us always, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
However, feeling His presence is a different story. More often than not, Christ’s presence shows up through other people because we are his Hands and feet in this world. St. Teresa of Avila explains,
Christ has no body now but yours.
No hands, no feet on earth but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which he looks
compassion on this world.
Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good.
Yours are the hands through which he blesses all the world.
Yours are the hands, yours are the feet, yours are the eyes, you are his body.
Christ has no body now on earth but yours.
Ageless Innovation calls their companion pets JOY FOR ALL. We can all be Teddys, offering joy and companionship to the lonely. You don’t have to look far to find an opportunity to bring joy into someone’s life. It’s Christ’s will for us. Trust me, He will put someone in your path. His desire is to infuse His joy into us – JOY FOR ALL. In John 15:11 Jesus tells his disciples, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
The Holy Spirit may not resemble a yellow lab, but He is our constant companion providing comfort, sustenance, strength, courage and guidance. The only maintenance required is prayer. My daily prayer of choice is for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit because He is the power from which I operate as opposed to Teddy’s battery. What is your power source?
Choose wisely.
