I Want That Puppy

A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?”, he asked.

The store owner replied, "Anywhere from $30 to $50."The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37," he said. "Can I please look at them"?

The store owner smiled and whistled, and out of the kennel came “Lady” she ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur; but one puppy was lagging considerably behind.

Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What’s wrong with that little dog?" The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited, “That is the little puppy I want to buy".

The store owner said, "No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you." The boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs, and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for".

The owner countered, "You really don’t want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.” To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don’t run so well myself and the little puppy will need someone who understands! He and I will get along just fine”.

I truly believe that each of us, like that boy have a special passion of mercy when we have been through our own pain. You might have a “limp” because of some hiccup or hang-up through your journey. Refuse to get bitter, friend; allow God to use it to better serve others in their own setbacks in life. Be passionate regardless through the Mercy of God He has put inside your heart!