During one of our long drives on our Epic Journey, our youngest broke down and was inconsolable for a long time. We chalked it up as being road weary. But there was something else at play. She wanted a dog. Everywhere we went, she lit up whenever a dog was nearby. She would find any chance to pet one. In fact, one of the reasons why we can always get her to go to the farmer’s market with us is because she would have an opportunity to hold the puppies that a Breeder brings to sell.
She also loves playing with our neighbors’ dogs. When we pulled up to our house at the end of the 42 days of travel, her first act was to go and hug our own minivan and exclaim “I missed you Sienna!” Then promptly ran to our neighbors who were out with their dogs. They were just about to go for a walk. She somehow got them to take her and let her hold the leashes.
So, when she cried inconsolably, we were very close to giving in. But we just couldn’t see how we could do it. So we cajoled, comforted, and even negotiated. The two older girls, even though they would love a puppy, too, joined in on the persuading their younger sister. We talked about all the negatives of owning a dog, including finances – she volunteered to give up all her money. 🙂
“I don’t think you’d like going out in the winter to walk the dog,” One of her sisters told her.
“You would have to pick up their poop!” The other chimed in.
We gave all kinds of reasons, but she would not relent. Then one of the girls exclaimed, “what about a fish?” She was hopeful that we would say yes to this one, for herself, too.
“You can’t walk a fish!” The Little One lashed out.
“But we could get a beta fish. That’s a boy fish. Then daddy doesn’t have to be the only boy in the family“`” One of them cooed.
The Little One hesitated. Then a laughter came – one of those silly laughs mixed with tears. She relented.
That’s when it dawned on me – the study of the Book of Proverbs during our “Car Church” had paid off. Our girls had been listening and processing. They were already “smart,” but now, they were gaining “wisdom.” As parents, our hearts were swelling with pride at the wonderful “Treasures” that God had given us! We promised them we would get a fish for them when we got back home.
A few days ago, we were able to keep our promise and bring home the newest member of our family, “Finneus Roberto.” We carefully prepared a home for him next to our dinning table, so that he can be a part of our favorite family time – dinner!
James
Proverbs 1:8-9 “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
AKorDian 