It was one of those days, I felt grumpy at the world. As a generally easy going person I don’t like those days. The ones where everything someone says seems to be in THAT TONE, the one that sets my teeth on edge and I feel like I have to do what’s right even though my heart isn’t in it. Let me repeat, I do not like those days.
The fact that it’s hard sometimes doesn’t wipe away my responsibility to love others and be kind.
Photo Credit: Scott Beale / Laughing Squid cc
But:
- What if every time you felt THAT way you could take THAT complaint to someone who would keep a record of it?
- What if every time someone hurt you it went on file?
- Would you feel better?
I don’t know about you, but knowing Jesus’ sacrifice has wiped my slate clean is one of the most comforting thoughts to me. Because I am by NO means perfect.
This idea is the whole premise of the book The Grudge Keeper.
I feel like I should say it in a deep announcer voice. “THE GRUDGE KEEPER, by Mara Rockliff and Eliza Wheeler.”
To me it’s the perfect visual for little kids (and big kids like me too).
People in Bonnyripple bring every offense, big or small, to the grudge keeper. A little old man who fills his house with all the complaints, and wrongs, done in the town. Got a problem? Bring it to the grudge keeper.
It’s amazing to watch the papers build up. And — I will not tell you what happens — but when everything comes to a head and people realize they need to forgive, well, there’s a very satisfactory ending. (Resist, ruining the book…)
I think it would be a perfect lead in to talking about grace and how God will wipe our slates clean and get rid of our record of wrongs when we follow him.
That’s why I’m recommending it for the perfect library find, and giving this book a rating of: Buy (do not pass go and do not collect $200 until you do). Just kidding… I’m rating it as one that I will get one day for my bookshelves.
Is there a book you’ve used to teach a lesson to someone younger then you? I’d love to hear about it!
Hebrews 8:12 ESV “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
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