✨Where Do You Find Emotional Support…Maybe It Finds You

🌿 Before the Moment Passes: A Reflection on Rest, Love, and the Gift of Now

Simple Steps to Burnout Recovery

(Part 4 of the “Learning to Pause Before You Power Down” Series)

— Millicent V. Brown

Love has many faces…and sometimes, it has four paws and a wagging tail. God knows exactly how to send the comfort we need—even before we ask.

After a week of intentional rest and emotional reflection, I realized something important: sometimes the emotional support we need doesn’t come in big breakthroughs or loud answers. Sometimes, it quietly shows up—curled at your feet, wagging its tail, or watching the game with someone you love. As we wrap up this Burnout Recovery series, I wanted to share a personal story—a gentle reminder that God’s comfort often finds us before we even know how to ask.

There was a time not long ago when the world seemed to stop—and spin out of control—all at once.

COVID-19 had arrived, and life became an endless swirl of Zoom calls, crisis meetings, and frantic phone calls from small business owners fighting to stay afloat.

I worked day and night, barely moving from my desk. My husband worked tirelessly too—pouring himself out to help colleagues, family, and friends keep their minds, homes, and resources intact.

In the middle of all this chaos, he decided that a fish tank might calm the seas in our home. Did I say a fish tank? Oops… I meant two.

But truthfully, bubbling water and neon fish couldn’t touch the weariness in my spirit. My colleagues were breaking down in tears on calls. Some whispered:

“Well… I’m not dead yet.”

The weight was crushing.

And then…

God sent us Rollo.

Our fur baby. My quiet companion. The one who would later lie at my feet as I wrestled with words, faith, and exhaustion.

Rollo didn’t fix the world. But in his gentle presence, I felt God whisper:

“You’re not alone. Even when you’re too tired to look for comfort…sometimes, comfort comes looking for you.”

God does see. He knows. And He sends help—reminding us that He has not forsaken or left us.

Rollo is our tiny angel…our fur baby.

“Abraham and Sarah” have no children of our own—but God sent just who and what we needed to ease our fears, to give us unconditional love, support, and even protection.

When I brought Rollo home for the first time, my husband took the small carrier and gently carried him into the house. He opened the carrier door…and guess who was left bringing in all the other bags and supplies to welcome our new fur baby? (That would be me. LOL.)😂

But when I finally came through the door, I saw the most amazing picture:

My husband sitting in his recliner, Rollo stretched out on his stomach, both of them peacefully watching the game—or shall I say…the game watching them.

Rollo truly was heaven-sent. He was just what we both needed to complete our loving but small family.

And here’s the beautiful truth:

Even when we think we’re the ones who need emotional support…

the love we share is reciprocal.

Rollo knows it with every hug, cuddle, meal, play session, treat, gentle pawing, and his soft licks. Even during our family prayer time, he sits close, attentive, and loving—never wanting to be left out.

God knows what we all need. And I believe He knew my husband and I would be just the right fur parents for Rollo—ones who would show him the love, kindness, patience, and all the fruit of the Spirit that every living being longs for.

I am so, so grateful.

Because sometimes…

emotional support doesn’t just wait to be found—it finds you.

Reflection Questions

• Have there been moments in your life when comfort found you unexpectedly?

• Are there people, pets, or memories God has used to remind you that you’re not alone?

• How might God be sending you emotional support right now—even in ways you might overlook?

• In what ways has the love you’ve given come back to you as a blessing?

Prayer

Father,

Thank You that You see me even when I feel invisible. Thank You for knowing what my heart needs—often before I can put it into words. Thank You for sending comfort in unexpected ways, whether through people, gentle moments, or even a small fur baby who reminds me I’m loved.

Thank You for the gift of reciprocal love. Help me to pour out love as You’ve poured into me. And help me to receive the love that comes back my way, knowing it, too, is part of Your blessing.

I trust that I am never alone because You are always with me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Affirmation

“Even when I don’t know how to ask, God knows what I need—and He sends comfort, sometimes in fur and paws.”