While preparing for a sermon on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, I came across this beautiful story about love.\u00a0 Although I am not using it in the sermon, it touched me and I felt I just needed to share.\u00a0 Love is such a precious thing, and we can learn so much from the story below.<\/p>\n
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A Dog’s Purpose, (from a 6-year-old)<\/p>\n
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old
\nIrish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa,
\nand their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they
\nwere hoping for a miracle.<\/p>\n
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
\nfamily we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform
\nthe euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.<\/p>\n
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would
\nbe good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt
\nas though Shane might learn something from the experience<\/p>\n
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s
\nfamily surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for
\nthe last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
\nWithin a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.<\/p>\n
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any
\ndifficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s
\ndeath, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are
\nshorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly,
\npiped up, “I know why.”<\/p>\n
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next
\nstunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.<\/p>\n
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
\nlife — like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The
\nsix-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so
\nthey don’t have to stay as long.”<\/p>\n
Live simply.
\nLove generously.
\nCare deeply.
\nSpeak kindly.<\/p>\n
Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:<\/p>\n
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
\nNever pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
\nAllow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
\nTake naps.
\nStretch before rising.
\nRun, romp, and play daily.
\nThrive on attention and let people touch you.
\nAvoid biting when a simple growl will do.
\nOn warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
\nOn hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
\nWhen you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
\nDelight in the simple joy of a long walk.
\nEat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
\nBe loyal.
\nNever pretend to be something you’re not.
\nIf what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
\nWhen someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
\nBeing always grateful for each new day and for the blessing you have.<\/p>\n
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!
\nThat’s what dogs teach us.<\/p>\n
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