During
the course of the year I have the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful
people who have dedicated their life to making things just a little
better for others. These are the people who work at fundraising events
to make money for special programs for the physically and mentally
challenged and for those in our society who are less fortunate.
Amazingly, I often find that the people who give the most, in terms of
time and money, are those who seem to need the most. When you attend a
fund raising event for the physically challenged, you meet physically
challenged people helping out with the organization and work. When
someone is collecting clothing and furniture to give to the needy, you
find that the people who donate the most are those who themselves have
been through some tough times. Instead of sitting back and waiting for
handouts, it appears as if the people who need the most help, are out
there willing to provide help to others.
This
reminded me of a story I once read about a store owner who was selling
puppies. He put a sign above his door and soon a little boy came in the
store and asked, ‘how much are you gonna sell those puppies for?”
The
store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.”
The
little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. “I have
$2.37. Can I look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled. Out
of the back of the store came his dog running down the aisle followed by
five little puppies. One puppy was lagging considerably behind.
Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy.
“What’s wrong with that little dog?” He asked.
The
man explained that when the puppy was born the vet said it had a bad hip
socket and would limp for the rest of its life. The little boy got
really excited and said, “That’s the puppy I want to buy!”
The
man replied, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you
really want him, I’ll give him to you.”
The
little boy got upset. He looked straight into the man’s eyes and said,
“I don’t want you to give him to me. He is worth every bit as much
as the other dogs and I’ll pay full price. In fact, I will give you
$2.37 now and 50 cents every month until I have him paid for.”
The
man countered, “You really don’t want to buy this puppy, son. He’s
never gonna be able to run, jump and play like other puppies.”
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 man and said, “Well, I don’t run so well myself and the
little puppy will need someone who understands.”
The
man was now biting his bottom lip. Tears welled up in his eyes. He
smiled and said, “Son, I hope and pray that each and every one of
these puppies will have an owner such as you.”
It
has often been said that in life it doesn’t matter who you are, but
whether someone appreciates you for what you are and accepts you and
loves you unconditionally. We all have our faults and weaknesses. We all
need someone who understands us for what we are and is willing to accept
us with those faults and weaknesses.
Just
as the boy said in the story, just because the little puppy was not as
capable of running and jumping like the others, it was worth just as
much. It’s physical challenges were something that it would have to
live with and learn to adapt to, but those physical challenges didn’t
mean that it was worthless. Some people may not be as physically or
mentally capable as others, but that doesn’t mean that they deserve to
be treated any differently or with sympathy from others. We have to
accept people for what they are, and love them unconditionally.
So
next time you meet someone who is “lagging behind the rest of
society”, remember that he or she is worth every bit as much as the
others. Treat that person as you would anyone else and give him or her
the respect they deserve.
Have
a good week!