THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE TRUE STORIES:
it’s about a squirrel, my Herbie! True, I don’t know which squirrel I’m talking about here: Herbie One, Herbie Two, Herbie Three…

Selah.

But here it is. Almost a year ago I had my very first breakfast meal at lunchtime at a family restaurant. Duane, our daughter-in-law, two out of three of her daughters, and I were gathered together for food and fun.

I have no idea what came over me, but I did decide to have pancakes, eggs, sausage, and such for my afternoon meal. Sometimes I surprise myself! I knew this was too much food and would definitely take some of it home… What I didn’t tell you yet was that this platter also came with potatoes… I don’t remember the choices, but there were several. This was the item I knew I’d take home. Guess who for? Right! Herbie!

And then came the question I asked Duane upon being asked by the waitress regarding my choice of potato: “What kind would Herbie like?”

Truly and seriously I did ask this! And we all started laughing! All, that is, except our waitress. She had no idea Herbie is a squirrel! Oh what fun to love squirrels and watch them eat popcorn, fries, pancakes, peanut butter sandwiches

NOTE: If you have not yet read my first book, Joy Stories, Volume One, please do! Read about Herbie, my squirrel buddy! It’s fun! It’s entertaining! And: it is totally true! It’s entitled: Herbie In The Garage: A Squirrel Tale (page ten of the book.)

You know, it’s fun to be childlike (not childish.) Imaginations are a good tool for joy!

SCRIPTURAL TRUTHS FOR THIS JOY STORY:

Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.

Matthew 18:1-5
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them.  And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

AND THIS ONE IS SPECIFICALLY GIVEN TO HONOR
JESSE DUPLANTIS: one of the greatest men I know!

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.