A shop owner in a small town placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.”

Signs like this seem to have a way of attracting the attention of young children. And, so it was that a young boy saw the sign and came into the shop.

He approached the owner and asked, “How much are you going to sell the puppies for?”

The store owner replied, “Oh, anywhere from $30 to $50.”

The little boy pulled out some change from his pocket. “All I have is $2.37,” he said, “but can I please look at them?”

The shop owner smiled and whistled. Out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his shop followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.

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 shop owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had 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 puppy that I want to buy!”

The shop 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 young 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. I can give you $2.37 now, and then 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.”

The shop 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 the show owner’s surprise, 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 shop owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and that little puppy will need someone who understands!”

- Anonymous

********

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if each of us could look at each other with such empathy and understanding, with no pre-determined rules of judgment and comparison?

********

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 NLT

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:24 NLT

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Romans 15:5-7 NLT

*******************************************

If you liked this story and would like a copy of either of my books,
they are available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle format:

If you have a story or testimony that you think might bless others,
I invite you to send it by email to me (Kenneth Kersey) at godsotherways@me.com.

*******************************************