A wealthy farmer once had some puppies which he wished to sell. So he placed a signboard outside his house which said, “PUPPIES FOR SALE”.
Within a short while, a little boy who saw the board, walked up and approached the owner.
“Mister, I want to buy one of your puppies”, he said. “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” he asked gently.
The farmer replied humbly, “Anywhere from $15 to $20, little boy!”
Hastily the boy rushed his tiny hands to his pocket and took some change out of it… After counting them he said, “I have $3.50 only. Can I please look at the puppies at least?” asked the little boy.
The farmer smiled and whistled…
A mother Golden Retriever came running down the aisle of the house. Six teeny tiny little puppies followed the mother. Of the six puppies, one was lagging behind. That one particular puppy looked smaller, weaker and slower.
The little boy asked curiously, “What’s wrong with that puppy?”
The farmer replied: “The veterinary doctor has already examined that puppy. After careful diagnosis, he revealed that it doesn’t have any hip socket. It will always limp. It will always be like this”.
Quite excited on hearing this, the little boy said, “That is the puppy that I want to buy”.
The farmer firmly replied, “No you wouldn’t want to buy that little one! If you insist, you can take him for free”.
The little boy turned a bit upset with the farmer’s words. He looked straight into his eyes and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me for free. That little dog is worth as much as the other puppies. I’ll by him. I’ll give you $3.50 now and I’ll pay $1 every month until all is paid!”
Puzzled, the farmer couldn’t understand why the boy persisted to buy the lame puppy. “Are you sure you wanted to buy the lame puppy?” the farmer asked. “He will never be a normal dog. He won’t be able to play with you like other dogs. He won’t be able to walk properly or jump. He’ll just be a huge responsibility for you. Are you sure you want to buy that one?”
Upon hearing the words of the farmer, the little boy slowly reached down his pants. He rolled up his pants and revealed his prosthetic leg.
Looking at the farmer he said, “Well, am not so good at running either. This little puppy will need someone who understands. I’m glad that I found him!”
This illustration is a great reminder for us that the world is full of people who need someone who understands. Moreover, there is a God who knows all things, examines all things and understands each of the emotions, hardships and path travelled. He is every person’s perfect companion.
Psalm 139: 1 - 4
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.