God be merciful to me, a sinner. Luke 18:13

When the boys showed up in Mr. Jones' melon patch, they didn't get melons. They got caught!

'Up to my house, boys.' Mr Jones ordered. He and his helpers marched the boys to the farm house and led them into the kitchen.

'You have a phone?' one boy asked.

'Why? You want to call your parents?'

'Are you going to turn us over to the police?'

Mr. Jones studied the frightened boys. 'Do you think that would be the right thing to do?'

No answer. Then one boy asked, 'What are you going to do to us?'

'I'm going to sit you around this table. And Mrs. Jones is going to give you a treat.'

A smiling Mrs. Jones plunked a huge platter of freshly cut watermelon in front of the boys. 'Boys, eat all you want,' she said.

When they finished, Mr. Jones said, 'Any time you want watermelon, come and ask. You can have it free. Now, I want each of you to promise that before you decide to steal again, you'll first ask yourselves the question, 'Do I want to be turned over to the police?'

Each of the boys promised.

'Okay,' Mr. Jones said, 'Off home with you. I won't tell your parents. But I think you should.'

Jake Peters, Winnipeg, Canada

Prayer: Dear Lord God, thank You so much for Your mercy and forgiveness and loving kindness. Amen.