A Wallet-size Treasure

The hopes of the godly result in happiness.

“BEAUTIFUL.”

Phil and Bonne turned around in their booth at the family pet expo and saw two women standing in the aisle, both with big smiles.

“My mom loves dogs,” the younger woman explained. “Especially terriers. We had Lakeland terriers when I was growing up. But it would be difficult for Mom to have a dog now.”

“Well, let me tell you about our dogs, Flurry and Finna,” Phil said. “They are from Ireland . . . in case our decorations didn’t give you a clue.” The eight-by-eight area included an array of shamrocks, an orange-green-and-white covering on the table representing the colors of the country’s flag, and a laminated map.

“The breed originated in the Wicklow Mountains and was used as spit-turning dogs and badger hunters. They almost became extinct during World War II, and while their numbers are slowly growing, they are still considered a rare breed. Currently, there are only a few hundred in the world.”

“It’s why we decided to do an informational booth here,” Bonne joined in. “To give people a chance to see this wonderful breed in person.”

The older woman was kneeling down now, catching Finna’s attention. The wheaten-colored Glen seized the opportunity to plant her front paws on the visitor’s legs and gave her a series of rapid kisses.

Her daughter watched her mother’s face beam with delight. “Oh, yes. Mom really misses that exuberant terrier love.”

She tapped her mom on the shoulder, and when her mom looked up, the daughter’s fingers began to move as she said, “Mom can’t hear. I’m telling her what you told me about your dogs.”

The mother’s face brightened even more. Then she signed something back to her daughter.

“Would it be okay if I took a picture of your dogs? That’s part of the reason we come to the pet expo. Mom enjoys looking at the photographs.”

“Of course,” Phil said. “Sit nicely, you two.” Flurry immediately complied while Finna needed a treat to persuade her. The women stayed and loved on the dogs for a while, then thanked Phil and Bonne before leaving.

The following year the Glen booth was located in the same spot at the expo. The first visitors to arrive were the mother and daughter. Finna and Flurry greeted them warmly, as if to say, “We’ve missed you. It’s been a whole year!” Phil gave the two of them an update. “Finna had a litter last year, and one of her puppies will be in the booth later today. You should definitely come back.”

They did come back that year and for several years after, always making a beeline for the Glens.

The sixth year, only the daughter arrived. She sat down quietly and scratched Flurry behind the ears. “My mom died last year, but I had to come and show you something I found among her possessions.” She pulled out a small creased photo of Flurry and Finna.

“My mom kept this in her wallet, and as you can see, she pulled it out often. It made her so happy.”

Suddenly Finna barked, breaking the poignant moment and demanding attention. Phil, Bonne, and their terrier-loving friend laughed at the feisty intrusion while wiping a few tears away. “Time to make someone else happy.”

PAWS & PONDER . . .

What are you looking toward today to make you happy? In whom, or what, is your deepest hope and greatest longing? How might aligning your hopes with God bring happiness and joy to your heart?

Paws & Pray

God, thank you for everything you’ve given me that brings me happiness. I know that earthly happiness is fleeting, and you are the source of true and everlasting joy. Fill my heart to overflowing with your joy so others will want it too.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.