TITLE: The Promise By Norma-Anne Hough 05/29/08 |
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THE PROMISE
Mike, Dave and Tim were three brothers who lived on a farm just outside East London. They stayed with their aunt and uncle as their parents had been tragically killed in a motor car accident. Times were very hard for the aunt and uncle and having three extra mouths to feed did not help much. Mike being the eldest was sent off to boarding school in East London.
Each Monday morning his uncle would drive him into school and pick him up again on Friday afternoon. The younger two went to a farm school. They missed Mike terribly and longed for the weekends. To help their aunt and uncle they would assist at their farm stall after school, helping to pass the time and to earn a few extra cents.
One Saturday the boys went fishing at the farm dam. It was a special time being on their own, they would talk about the happy times they had enjoyed with their parents. Mike felt responsible for the two younger ones. He always tried to make them laugh by telling them funny stories about boarding school. This particular day Tim was very quiet. Nothing Mike could say or do would make him laugh.
“What is the matter Tim” Mike gently asked.
“Nothing” replied Tim.
“Nonsense, anyone with any sense can see that something is bothering you,” David said.
“Tell us what is wrong and perhaps we can help” encouraged Mike.
Tears began to run down Tim’s little face. “You know it is my birthday next month and I really would like a special present” he sobbed.
“Remember dad said last year I could have a puppy, he promised me I could, now he is dead and I won’t be getting a puppy.”
Mike put down his fishing rod and gently put his arms around Tim.
“I know dad promised you a puppy, and even although things are a bit tight around here I will get you a puppy.”
‘Oh Mike will you, can you, are you sure” Tim shouted.
“Of course I am” Mike replied, “but don’t say anything until I see what I can do.”
That night as the boys lay in their beds, Mike began to talk quietly to God. “Please God help me find the puppy for Tim and don’t let it be too expensive because I do not have all that much in my savings. I was saving up for a bicycle but if dad made that promise, I must see that it is done.”
At Sunday school the next day the teacher was telling them that with God nothing is impossible, you only have to believe and trust God. Mike got a happy, warm feeling in his heart and knew God had heard his prayer.
After school on Monday he asked the headmaster’s permission to go into town. He told him the whole story. Mr. Taylor listened to him. He knew the family well. Mike was well respected amongst the staff as he was a good student and trustworthy.
“Well Mike, I have the answer for you. My parent’s dog has just had some puppies and they will be ready to go to a new home in about a month’s time.”
“That’s wonderful, how much will they be?”
Mr. Taylor looked Mike straight in the eye, “my boy I respect what you are doing for Tim. It is a gift.”
“Wow thanks,” whispered Mike.
The next weekend Mike told his aunt and uncle about the puppy. They were very happy and agreed not to say a word to Tim. Keeping the secret was very hard, but they did. The morning of his birthday Tim awoke to find a beautiful Labrador puppy lying in a box in the lounge. He was so very happy. Mike watching his happiness quietly thanked God for helping him keep the promise his father had made to Tim
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