"In whose hand (the Lord's] is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10).
The llama, somewhat like a sheep but with much longer legs as well as a longer neck, is a native of Bolivia, Argentina, Peru and the mountains and plains of some other South American countries. It is difficult for a stranger to easily tell the difference between llamas and gentle alpacas (which we looked at in another volume) and guanacos.
These nimble animals measure about three feet high at the shoulders and have backs, sides and tails usually covered with dark brown hair, nicely set off with necks, heads and legs of a tannish-white color. There are several variations-some even being an attractive light tan over the entire body-others mostly black. Big, alert ears rise up from their foreheads and their pretty dark eyes are shaded with long eyelashes. The Creator has provided them with thick wooly coats to keep them warm in the chilly mountains.
Because they are exceptionally clean animals and their feet are well-padded, some of them become real favorites with an owner's family. Sometimes they are allowed to come inside the house to be petted, and their little ones are picked up and cuddled like a baby, and sometimes are given a sweet treat. Incidentally, their mouths have a smiling appearance which makes them seem very good natured.
No longer wild, they are very useful to their owners. For one thing, they are sheared like sheep for their wool, which is prized because it contains no oil and has a sweet smell, even after being spun into yarn.
In addition, they are used for carrying loads of 100 pounds or more, covering 10 to 20 miles a day. They are particularly valued as pack animals over high, dry mountain trails, because, like a camel, they can get along without water for four or five days and are sure-footed with their padded hoofs.
But llamas can be stubborn, and owners have learned that it only makes matters worse to punish them when they lie down and refuse to get up until some of the load is taken off. They are also determined to set their own walking pace on the trails and will not increase their speed even if the drivers try to make them go faster. But, aside from these stubborn streaks, they are valuable and lovable animals.
The Bible verse at the beginning refers to the Lord's goodness to every living thing and reminds us that every person, young or old, depends on His care even for His goodness. Have you followed this verse: "Oh give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endureth forever" (1 Chron. 16:3434O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. (1 Chronicles 16:34))?