Reggie was a real boy in that he liked to play with toy boats and many other things. Reggie’s father was dead and he was the only child of his mother. Now his mother was very ill so she could not keep a close watch on him.
His mother had told him not to sail his toy boat on a nearby pond. But alone with his thoughts Reggie thought that he was old enough to take care of himself and he thought that his mother need not be so anxious about him. It did not take long to convince himself that it must be all right to go to the pond after all, and he did just that. He was pleasing himself and not the Lord who says, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord.” Col. 3:2020Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:20).
Reggie did not fall into the water and get drowned; in fact no such mishap occurred; but he continued his willful way for several days.
One morning, however, as he was about to start again for the pond, he was told that his mother’s condition was very bad and that she might live only a few days longer. Then he remembered his mother’s instructions and his promise to obey. He said to himself, “What if mother should die before I have confessed, and before she has forgiven my wrong.”
Reggie begged to see his mother but the doctor had ordered that she must have perfect quiet. Even her boy could not visit her. With a heavy heart he wandered out of the house.
Then a bright idea flashed into his mind. Hastening indoors he took his slate and began writing a note for his mother. This is what he wrote: “I have been disobedient and sailed my boat on the pond. I am very sorry I did it. Please forgive me and say you do by rubbing this off the slate.”
He took it to his mother’s door and waited there until the nurse came out.
“Do give this to mother,” he whispered, holding out the slate.
“I think she is too ill to read it,” was the nurse’s answer, “but wait a few minutes.”
Soon the door was opened and the nurse handed the slate to Reggie, saying, “Your mother has read it.”
Eagerly he examined it and found there was not a mark left. All was gone, rubbed out. Yes, he knew by that that he was forgiven and now with a lightened heart he could return to his play. I scarcely need add that he never visited that pond again during the weeks that his mother lay slowly recovering from her illness.
Have you ever confessed your sins to God, dear young reader? As soon as Reggie’s sin came to his remembrance he took the first opportunity of seeking his mother’s forgiveness. Be like him in this and go to God now and confess your sin. You will find pardon and peace and eternal salvation.
ML 06/04/1967