BAD DAY AT THE RACES

 Ten year old Susie had been training for weeks to race in her school’s Field Day events. She was confident that she would at least place in the top three of the races.

The racers were lining up. Suddenly they were off. Susie was near the front of the pack. She was doing well. Abruptly, her friend Matti bumped into Susie and fell favoring her ankle. Susie stopped, went back to help Matti make her way to the sidelines supporting her with her arms. Matti’s ankle was causing her great discomfort. Was her ankle broken or badly sprained? Tears flowed. Suddenly, like a shot from a gun, Matti limped away from Susie’s support and capably raced ahead to the finish line. Shocked Susie began to run with the others finishing near the last.  Matti’s ankle was fine. Susie felt betrayed. Suzie reminded herself that there were other racing events she could enter

In the next race, Susie was delighted to see her friend Kari in the line up. For years, Spring allergies had kept Kari from entering Field day events.

The racers were off again. Kari was doing well. Susie was gaining ground. All at once, Susie noticed Kari was not in the race.

Looking back she saw her crumpled in heap while racers dodged around her. Susie dropped back, running the other way to Kari’s side.

Kari was having one of the worst asthma attacks of her young life.

Susie sat on the track comforting and assuring Kari that help was on the way. The race was over. Susie had lost again.

“BAD DAY at the Races” Susie announced at dinner. When her family heard her story, they rejoiced that their Susie had such a kind heart. Someone commented on the selfishness of Mattie.

“It’s okay” said Susie, “Mattie REALLY wanted to win that race. She’s a good runner.” Forgiveness is a big part of love.

Did you notice a GLIMPSE of JESUS  in this true story?

                              ©2004 Marlene D. Bergman

                           (Names changed to honor confidentiality)