Richard Hoefler, in his book WILL DAYLIGHT COME? (1979, C S S
Publishing Company), tells about two young children
visiting their grandparents for the
summer. Johnny was given his first slingshot. He
practiced shooting in the woods, but missed everything he
aimed at.
As he returned to Grandma's back yard, however, he spied her pet
duck. It wasn't the only duck she kept, but it was her
favorite. On an impulse he took aim
and let it fly. This time he didn't miss. His
stone struck and killed the duck.
The boy panicked. He didn't mean to hurt the bird -- he was even
sure he'd miss! But he had killed it.
His panic grew to desperation and he
hid the duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his
sister. Sally had seen it all, but she
said nothing to her grandparents.
After lunch that day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the
dishes." Sally said, "Johnny told me
he wanted to help in the kitchen today.
Didn't you Johnny?" She whispered to him, "Remember the
duck." (Blackmailed by his sister!) So
Johnny did the dishes.
Later Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing.
Grandma said, "I'm sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper." Sally
smiled and said, "That's all taken care of, Johnny wants to do it."
Again she whispered, "Remember the duck." Johnny stayed while Sally
went fishing.
Johnny did both his chores and Sally's for several days, and
could stand it no longer. He confessed to Grandma that he'd killed the
duck.
She said, "I know Johnny." She gave him a big hug and added, "I
was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. But because I
love you, I forgave you. I just wondered how long you would let Sally
make a slave of you."
His grandmother was more ready to forgive then he was even to
ask for forgiveness. Similarly, we are surrounded by more grace than we
may realize. But a disturbing inner voice often whispers, "Remember
the duck. Remember the duck." Some people live their whole lives
enslaved by the voice that says, "Remember the duck." They never let
themselves be forgiven!
They don't know the meaning of deep peace. They are seldom free
of guilt and feel as if happiness only comes to others more
deserving.
What does it matter if the whole world were to love us, and
accept us in spite of our failings, if we persist in feeling badly? Are
you sick of feeling sick about the mistakes of your past?
Maybe it's time to forget the duck! After you've done all you
can to rectify the past, then it's time to put it down. Forget the duck
--
and be free.
Steve Goodier's books & newsletter:
http://LifeSupportSystem.com.
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