About the Writer:
Nancy
Hughes

Nancy chooses to look at life as opportunities to know more about God's people and desires to pass on His unfailing love to those around her. As a young widow with growing children, Nancy's life experiences are a blend of hope through hard times and faith that has moved mountains in her life. Her writings are effective storytelling with humor, biblical insight and deep compassion.

Dougie K. and the Messed-Up Day

By Nancy Hughes

Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (NIV)
 
“It’s just not fair! It’s just not fair!” said little Dougie K.
The little boy sat pouting while his friends went out to play.
Now what could be the reason for the little fella’s pout?
I have the inside story as to what it’s all about.
 
It seems that Dougie K. was given chores for after school.
Among them he was asked to feed the dog and clean the pool.
He could have finished both the jobs in 20 minutes flat.
But Dougie K. decided he would have no part of that!
 
“No one should have the right to order all that work for me.”
(He heard that line one night while watching something on TV.)
“If I decide to play before I get all my jobs done,
Then that’s just what I’ll do because I know I am number one!”
 
His dad could not believe the sounds that swept into his ear!
What happened to his little boy that Momma called “sweet dear?”
He thought and thought about it and decided, without doubt,
That someone else had sneaked inside and thrown his Dougie out!
 
If truth be known there was some hurt inside of Dougie K.
He thought, “What was I thinking, talking to my dad that way?
He’s always there when things are tough, to tell me that he’s proud
Of me, no matter what I do.” He stood, with his head bowed.
 
Too late he realized all the things he said and how they sounded.
He knew he’d feel much better if his dad said, “Son, you’re grounded.”
The time had come for Dougie to admit what he had done.
And ask his dad’s forgiveness ‘cause this feeling wasn’t fun.
 
“Hey, Dad, I need to talk to you. I’ve got some things to say.
I don’t know what got into me to act in such a way.
I didn’t listen to my heart, I listened to my friends.
I turned my back on all you taught. I need to make amends.”
 
His daddy took him in his arms. “I love you, Dougie K.
And I forgive you for those words, but, Son, just let me say:
We give you chores so you will work to learn what’s fair and true.
Because your mom and I are always looking after you.”
 
“The reason that we asked you not to play or mess around
Was that we got three tickets ‘cause the circus is in town.”
“You only had to do two things,” said Momma with a kiss.
“But your chores were not completed, so the circus you will miss.”
 
“It’s just not fair! It’s just not fair,” said little Dougie K.
“To think that I could act in such a disrespectful way.
If there’s one bit of wisdom in this mess that I can find:
The next time Dad asks me for help, I promise I will mind!”

Copyright © July 2008 – Nancy Hughes. All rights reserved.

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