Rev. David called all the children down to the front of the church to hear a "Children's Message." He wanted to talk to the children about planning ahead, and he decided that he would use a squirrel as an example.
"Now children, see if you can guess what I am thinking about," he began. "It lives in trees and eats nuts. [pause] It is gray and jumps from branch to branch. [pause] It has a long bushy tail and buries nuts in the ground in the fall so it will have something to eat all winter long. [pause] Now raise your hand if you know what I'm thinking of!"
When it became clear that none of the children was going to raise a hand, Rev. David called on one of the older girls who was sitting in front, saying to her, "What do you think I'm talking about?"
The girl replied, "Well, I know you want me to say that you're thinking about the seven principles, but it sure sounds like you're describing a squirrel."
(A story by an unknown author in my children's story collection. Any clues to the author would be greatly appreciated.)
I've heard this story told by Christians with the punch line, "I know you want me to say Jesus, but it sounds to me like a squirrel." Check out:
http://www.fumcoakpark.org/082105.pdf for one example.
I've heard it told about Jesus rather than the 7 ps, but I don't know where it comes from.
CC