Puppy Love and Building Faith

At the end of January, we were offered a puppy from a litter that had been born on January 7. Since we had been in the market for a new puppy, we jumped at the chance when we found out the price was zero dollars. Hooray!

Now fast forward to a little after Valentine's Day. Mo started asking for a puppy. Never being short on imagination, she was very specific with her request. She wanted a little, tiny, brown, cutie puppy (an exact quote). She didn't know about our "free puppy" and so we decided to keep it a secret, telling her that she needed to pray and ask God for a puppy.

With the diligence and honesty of only a child she began praying for her "little, tiny, brown, cutie puppy" with every prayer she made. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bedtime -- always, "God, please send me a little brown puppy". She didn't forget, not once, to make her petition known. Neither did she get impatient or set deadlines for God. She just kept going before the Lord asking in innocence and expectation. Wow! How often do I pray like that. Sad to say, not often enough.

So this week-end, we arranged for a scavenger hunt and put out clues and gifts/hints all over the house. She read each note with anticipation building on anticipation. She started running faster and faster from clue to clue. It was so fun to watch her move from clue to clue and finally reach the carrier. She wasn't sure what was inside, but it started wiggling as she read the final clue. She was entrusted to give this new little being a loving and caring home and was praised for her prayers and faith.

Then, she unzipped the flap and out wiggled the "little, tiny, brown, cutie puppy" she had known God would give her. He was christened "Chocolate Kiss" but that has sort of morphed to "Dumpling". He is sweet, fun and tiny -- pomeranian/chihuahua mix. Mo has a little buddy that is going to grow up with her. It really is a match made in heaven.

So, in trying to teach my little girl about faith and the power of prayer, I was reminded of a few lessons myself:

- Be specific when you pray.

- Pray with expectation.

- Don't limit God or try to set boundaries.

- Stand back and expect to be amazed.

All that from a "little, tiny, brown, cutie puppy".