Mistakes and Forgiveness

I got this through a friend today and while it has a Christian theme. I would suggest for non Christians to read it too. A simple story with a lovely message that is not just about God or Religion but also about mistakes and forgiveness.

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There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.

One day Johnny was given a slingshot to play with. He practiced in the woods but he could never hit the target. Getting a little discouraged he headed back to dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it.

He was shocked. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to see his sister watching. Diane had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Diane, let's wash the dishes." But Diane said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.

The following day Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing. But Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Diane to help make supper." Diane just smiled and said, "Johnny told me he wanted to help you." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Diane went fishing and Johnny stayed home.

After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Diane's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.

Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Diane make a slave of you."

Thought for the day and everyday thereafter:

Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done that the devil keeps throwing up in your face (lying, debt, fear, hatred, anger, unforgiveness, bitterness, etc.), you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.

I like the theme of the story. I agree sometimes as humans and mere mortals, we make slaves of ourselves over things that haunt us. It is not an easy thing to overcome. Hope you like the story :)

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