A farmer’s neighbor was critical of everything he said or did. For example, when the farmer bought a new plow, the neighbor said it would rust soon. When the farmer commented how it was good to have more rain this year, the neighbor lamented that his crops would rot at the root with all this rain. And on it went.

But the farmer was determined to find something that would cheer up his neighbor. So he invited the grouchy man next door to go on a hunting trip with him. After the neighbor agreed, the farmer went out and purchased the finest hunting dog, and secretly trained him to fetch by walking on the water, instead of swimming.

When hunting season came, the farmer and his neighbor went to a nearby marsh. When the first flock passed by, the farmer and his friend shot several ducks each. The farmer yelled to the dog, “Fetch!” The hound darted, his feet barely skimming the surface of the lake. He scooped up four ducks from the water and was back in an instant, dry as a bone. “How about THAT?” the farmer exclaimed with great satisfaction. The neighbor looked unimpressed, and remarked, “Can’t swim, can he?”

All of us need some cheering up from time to time. For Christians, this can happen by giving or receiving a kind word (Proverbs 12:25), applying the Word of God in our lives (Psalm 19:8), and seeking God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) in our Will or Estate Plan by providing both for our children and a favorite ministry organization such as Grace Bible College.

Source: “Life Lessons on Faith” by Pastor Sherm Nichols

For a FREE copy of our special bulletin “5 Ways To Cheer Up Today” simply check the box on the enclosed reply card or contact Steve Hilbrands from Grace Bible College at 616-538-2330 or Shilbrands@gbcol.edu

This is general information and is not intended to be tax or legal advice. Please consult your own advisors.