The Werner family lives in a rental house with a large garden. The house belongs to the elderly Mrs. Graf, but the Werners are allowed to live there because they pay rent.
There is plenty of space to play on the lawn in the garden. The parents have planted a vegetable patch, and Mom is happy about her many flowers. Everyone especially loves the raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries that they have grown themselves.
But there is one small challenge: the fruit on the trees belongs to Mrs. Graf. In summer and fall, juicy apples, sweet pears, bright red cherries and ripe plums hang there. Mrs. Graf usually shares generously as soon as she has harvested enough.
It’s plum season right now, but Mrs. Graf hasn’t been there for several days. Many of the fruits have already fallen from the tree, which is close to the sidewalk. Today, Ben, Nicholas’ friend, is visiting, and they are all playing in the yard. Without realizing it, they step on some fallen plums.
Just then, Mrs. Graf comes by and discovers the crushed fruit. She angrily reproaches Ben, Nicholas, and Laura.
Mom is in the kitchen with baby Tobi when the children rush in, excited and teary-eyed, and explain what happened. She takes them in her arms, comforts them, and then says, “I know you didn’t do it on purpose. But Mrs. Graf doesn’t know that. That’s why it would be good if you would apologize to her and offer to help gather and pick the fruit.”
Nicholas protests: “But Mom, Mrs. Graf was so unkind, and now we’re even supposed to help her?”
Mom explains: “Yes, you should – out of love for Jesus. It says in Matthew 5:44-45 that He wants us to forgive those who have offended us and do good to them. Pray for Mrs. Graf and also pray that God will give you the strength you need right now.”
After the prayer, the children feel better. When they apologize to the landlady and ask if they can help gather, she gets teary-eyed. “You are good children. I’m sorry I was so harsh.”
After the work is done, Mrs. Graf gives the children two large bowls of plums – enough to bake cakes and make jam for both families.
Helene Rotfuss
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