THE GIFT…a short story

As I sat on the park bench I happened to glance down and see a peanut sitting inconspicuously behind one of the legs.  Naturally, I bent over and picked it up.  Glancing up, across the walking path, I noticed a squirrel suddenly stop his constant hopping and digging to give me a hard stare of anticipation.

Laughing aloud and looking down at the small nugget of gold, that I obviously held in my hand, I debated whether to toss it over to the little grey fur ball or hold it out as an offering.

Isn’t this what we do in life sometimes?  We know what the right thing to do is, yet we hesitate and try to figure out another path. 

Instinct tells me to toss the peanut to the squirrel, so why don’t I do just that?  Is it God whispering to me to toss the small gift, and, in return, me trying to rationalize another or better way?  Perhaps.

Am I being selfish to want the squirrel to come and take the prize from my hand?  Why do I need that confirmation of its trust? 

In the end… I tossed the peanut to the squirrel and he cracked it and ate it then and there.

My reward was found in my own smile and warmed heart!  Thank you, Lord!

Hebrews 13:16  “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”

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