The Pony Perspective

The Pony Perspective

Jim BuchanBy Jim Buchan2 Minutes

A story has been told about twin boys who were celebrating their birthday.

“This year for your birthday, we have a special surprise for you,” their parents said. “Your present is in the backyard, and we want to show it to you one at a time.”

The first boy eagerly went to the backyard to see this special gift. However, to his dismay, the only thing he found was a huge pile of manure.

“What a terrible present!” he complained. “This is my worst birthday ever.”

But then it was the second boy’s turn. Although he saw the same pile of manure, his reaction was entirely different.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” he told his parents with gratitude and great joy. “Where did you put the PONY?”

The Lesson For Us

As the second boy recognized, when we’re faced with situations that seem like manure, it’s time to look for the pony! Right around the corner from life’s stinkiest circumstances, we’re likely to soon discover a wonderful blessing from our Heavenly Father.

Writing from a dark, smelly prison cell one day, the apostle Paul wrote:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice… Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things…and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:4-9 NASB).

My friend, no matter what difficulties you may be facing today, make sure to look for the pony. It may be closer than you think!