“God sees all; nothing can be hidden from Him." ~ Hebrews
4:13
Before the hockey game, identical twins Andrew and Steven, each
bought a $10 raffle ticket for a chance at the $50,000 intermission shot. The hole in the plywood 90 feet away was just
barely larger than the puck. It was
about like trying to throw a golf ball into a beer mug from center field.
Steven was recovering from recent shoulder surgery. As (bad) luck would have it, Andrew was off
flirting with some girls when the stadium announcer called his name.
So Steven, his brother’s ticket, and his bum wing entered the
ice rink and lined up the absurdly difficult shot. They look so much alike, who would know? No real harm!
Steven let it fly. The
gliding puck headed straight for the tiny opening . . . but quickly lost
momentum. The crowd roared as if its
clamor could energize the rapidly fading disc.
As Steven stood proudly for pictures and congratulations,
his mind quickly wandered toward how best to spend his fortune. He’d start with some new hockey equipment;
maybe give a thousand or so to Andrew. He’d
even donate some to their hockey association.
Their dad thought: "Fifty grand? Four kids, a daughter in college, two boys in
high school? This will really going
help.
When they all got home that night, something didn't feel
right. After the kids went to bed, both
parents felt the same conscience betraying their guilt.
But why?
The money came from a huge insurance firm, since the youth
hockey association had taken out a legitimate policy. Who cares about greedy insurance
companies?
But lying just wasn't worth $50,000. So the next morning, the parents were about
to tell the kids they were going to have to give the money back when the boys
floored them with their own announcement. They didn't think they should take the money. “It just felt wrong," Steven said. “And it’s never too late to do the right
thing.”
Steven called the insurance company whose name appeared on
the check and explained what had really happened. Yes, he was the boy who’d made the shot. But the raffle ticket belonged to his
brother. Wrong kid. They’d return it immediately – uncashed.
The boys were disappointed, yet relieved. Mom and Dad beamed with pride; an unplanned
opportunity had blossomed into a teachable (although expensive) moment.
Our God Sees us when nobody else does. When we couple that with a desire to please
Him and not grieve Him, it makes a difference in how we act and behave.
Lord, I’ve not lived my life the way that
You wanted, nor did I choose the path that You
wished I’d take. Help me change
that! So that when the day comes, I’ll
hear Your words: “Well done my good and faithful servant.” Amen
