Pitching Curves

Bible Reading: Proverbs 12:17-22

Ravi wound up for the pitch and let the ball fly, but it went too high. It sailed through the air over Logan’s head, and there was an awful sound of breaking glass as it crashed through Mr. Garcia’s store window.

Logan gave a quick backward look over his shoulder. “Come on, Ravi! We’ve got to get out of here!” Almost before he knew it, Ravi was trailing after Logan, who was tearing across the playground and down the street as fast as he could go. “Whew!” Logan said when they were far away from Mr. Garcia’s store. “That was close, but we’re safe now.”

“Yeah,” Ravi replied. He hesitated. “I think I should go back and own up to breaking the window.”

Logan stared at him. “Are you crazy? He’ll make you pay for it!” Logan turned toward his street. “I’m going home.”

Ravi watched him go, still feeling very disturbed. Telling Mr. Garcia I broke the window is the right thing to do, he thought. So instead of going home, Ravi headed back to Mr. Garcia’s store.

Mr. Garcia was looking at the damage when Ravi arrived. “Uh, Mr. Garcia, I…I’m the one who broke your window,” he managed to say. “I was trying to pitch a curve, and the ball just…”

From beneath bushy eyebrows, Mr. Garcia looked sternly at Ravi. “Pitching curves, eh? Well then, there’s only one thing to do,” he said gruffly. Ravi trembled. “Learn to control them!” Mr. Garcia’s chin was quivering, and his eyebrows were raised. Ravi suddenly realized he was chuckling!

“I’m glad you didn’t try to pitch a curve to me by lying about what happened,” said Mr. Garcia. “I know you’re a Christian, Ravi, and I’m very proud of you for coming back to tell me about the window. I can see your love for Jesus in how straightforward and honest you were today. Only pitch curves in baseball—not in life. Now, about the window. Do you think you could come and do some sweeping and cleaning for me to work off the cost of replacing it?”

Ravi gladly agreed. Hazel M. Percy

How About You?

Are you truthful and honest even when it might get you into trouble? Or do you try to pitch curves by lying about something you’ve done? Always tell the truth, even when it’s hard. If you’re at fault, admit it and accept the consequences, whatever they may be. When you’re truthful with others, your actions show them you belong to Jesus.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Today’s Key Thought:

Always be honest