The Things That Are God’s

Jesus said, "Give to God the things that are God's."

When Ashley Richmond was nine years old, a relative recognized her affinity for animals and suggested that she become zookeeper. In 2006 Ashley graduated from Michigan State with a degree in zoology. Now she tends the mammals at the Detroit Zoo.

In the past, zoos put animals on display for the entertainment of their human visitors. Today, their purpose is enrichment. The writer Emily Esfahani Smith explains it this way, “Ashley’s role at the zoo … is to do everything in her power to make the lives of animals she oversees … richer, happier, and more exciting.” (The Power of Meaning, pp. 73-76)

Had Ashley served the zoo’s previous purpose, she would have functioned principally as a captor. By devoting herself to the ideal of enrichment, Ashley has become a nurturing caregiver.

It’s tempting to say that what she does makes her who she is. But that is not entirely accurate. Ashley estimates that 80 percent of each day is filled with repetitive, mundane tasks like cleaning out habitats.

And ye…