An old farmer had his mule up for sale. A potential buyer came by to look the mule over.
But when the customer gave the mule a command, the mule just stood there and stared at him -- whereupon the old farmer grabbed a nearby two-by-four and whacked the mule hard right between the eyes.
The mule staggered a moment, then complied with the command.
"He's
a good mule," the old farmer said, "but you have
to get his attention first."
The moral? Be attentive to the Lord, so nobody has to
whack you to get your attention.
[Traditional]