Once upon a time, a little girl was looking for
the “right size puppy.” What is it she keeps asking for? the volunteer asked. “Puppy
size!” replied the mother. Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what
she's looking for. We have seen most of them, the mom said in frustration. Just
then her little girl came walking into the office Well, did you find one? asked
her mom. No, not this time, She said with sadness in her voice. Can we come
back on the weekend?
The two women looked at
each other, shook their heads and laughed. The volunteer shared that one never
knows when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply. Our
little girl took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. Don't worry,
I'll find one next weekend.
Sure enough, our little
one and her mom were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now this
little girl knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed
the smaller dogs. She walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to
take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.
One by one she said, Sorry, but you're not the one.
It was the last cage on
this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door
and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she
took a little longer. Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I
know it! She screamed with joy. It's the puppy size!
But it's the same size
as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks, mom said. “No not
size... The sighs.” When I held him in my arms, he sighed, she said. Don't you
remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on
the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!
The volunteer and the
mother looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or
cry. She stooped down to hug her child, and did a little of both. Mom, every
time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each
other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I
held it in my arms, she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she
said, Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!
Close your eyes for a
moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the
arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of a Spring
wildflower and the gentle rush of a stream. They are the sighs of God. Take the
time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. I believe life
is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath
away.
God watches over us as
we reflect: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” (Psalm 150:6).
Lord,
I pray for all my Sonshine Friends whose support and prayers are always
appreciated. Love the people who take your breath away with their love and
kindness.
