Steal (sic) Pony

“Man has two great spiritual needs.  One is for forgiveness, the other is for goodness.”  - - Billy Graham

Brandon’s bicycle wasn’t much to look at.  He’d spotted it at a yard sale and convinced his parents he needed it.  It helped that it was cheap, rusted, and old.  A ripped seat, bald tires, oddly twisted handlebars: it’d been quite some time since anyone rode this bike. 

But once he climbed aboard . . . he fell in love with it!  From then on he rode it every day, everywhere, to do most every thing important to a 9 year old.  It could be wet, cold, or even a little scary at times cycling around town, but to Brandon it felt real.  He loved the way the wind whipped his hair and cooled his ears.  He did figure-eights, jumped over curbs, bumped into trees, and repeatedly rode over a garden hose because he liked the way the water sprang up from the sprinkler after the pressure of his tires.

He didn’t mind that it rattled horribly or that the chain squeaked.  His “Steel Pony” symbolized unbridled autonomy: he was no longer dependent on his parents to shuttle him around the place.  No longer constrained by bus timetables, Brandon could cover long distances faster and more easily than walking.  Exciting new opportunities suddenly opened up before him: this antique machine was his ticket to freedom. 

That was, until the bike went missing from its usual place.  Running from the front porch, Brandon saw a man loading it into his car.  He shouted, but the thief just drove off.  Anger came swiftly . . . then sadness - not about the cost, but the emotional loss.  That “Pony” carted him to lawn mowing jobs; trysts with his sweet Melanie; to the quick-shop, the sand dunes, the pool, tennis lessons, and his secret hideout.

He certainly couldn’t afford a new one at the moment, but someday he will.   Brandon had great faith for a boy his age, heck - for a man of any age.  He forgave the thief and wanted him to know he was forgiven.  So he wrote a message on a large poster-board, stapled it to a sawhorse and placed it in the front yard.

To the guy who stole my bike: you really hurt my feelings!  But I’m a Christian and I FORGIVE you beause (sic) Jesus forgave me!!''

When Brandon left for school the next day, the sign was face-down in the yard.  ‘Steel Pony’ had returned - with brand new tires, handlebars and racing pedals.  Was is theft . . . or kindness?  Had ‘Pony’s’ makeover been planned, or an apologetic response?  Does it really matter!

Lord, may Your love for me enrich my love for others.  Help me love those I find hardest to love – the ones I dismiss, judge, or do anything but love.  Forgive me for failing to act toward them with Christ-like love.  Amen