Truth or Consequences
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In light of yesterday’s post, here’s a little story that illustrates one aspect of truth or consequences.
One day a carpenter decided to illustrate to his young son the consequences of lying. So he took him out to his workshop where he handed the young fellow a hammer, a nail, and an old piece of wood.
“Son,” he began, “I want you to hammer that nail into the wood.”
With a few strokes of the hammer, the boy did so.
“Now, you have to understand, son; every time you tell a lie, it’s going to hurt someone. It’s like that nail being hammered into that piece of wood. Do you follow me?”
The youngster solemnly nodded his head.
His father smiled at him and said, “I knew you would! OK son, now I want you to remove the nail.”
With a little effort, the young fellow managed to get it out.
His father continued. “Now, when you go to the person you lied to and ask for their forgiveness, it’s like that nail being taken back out again,” he said. “I want you to always remember this lesson, OK?”
The little boy thought about it a minute. Finally, he asked his father, “But what about the hole? I took the nail out, but there’s still a hole there!”
The carpenter gently placed his hand on his son’s shoulder as they walked together back to the house. “Well, son, those are what we call consequences. When we do something wrong, there are always consequences – and those never go away.”
(Photo by mjw)
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8 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
In this season of all things thanked for—I thank you for all your thought inspiring posts. They always seem to give my dull days some hidden things to ponder.
This story reminds me of the prodigal son (from the Bible), and even though his father celebrated his return with the fatted calf party. Sadly— like the hole in the wood– his inheritance was spent—some things can’t be replaced.
I wish everyone a blessed time with family and friends this Thanksgiving
Aw shucks, Mike, I appreciate your kind words - a whole herd!
You make a good point bringing up the Prodigal - a lesson we can all stand to learn - and how it relates to consequences. Very good; go to the head of the class!
Robert, excellent parable (though it’s hard to top the prodigal son). Maybe your point is what makes forgiving and asking for forgiveness so difficult, and at times so heroic.
Howdy Brad! You’re right; when we focus on the consequences (especially when they’re dramatic), it can be pretty difficult to ask forgiveness - even though it’s better all around when we do!
I appreciate your contribution to this one, Brad!
Quite a profound illustration, Robert–and very true!
Thanks for a thought-provoking post!
Jeanne
Doncha’ just love this story, Jeanne? I heard it many, many years ago and have never forgotten the lesson.
Haven’t heard that one before, but it was a great visualization of the fact that “consequences” never go away.
Makes a pretty good case for taking a second to think through one’s actions.
I agree with you completely, Travel Guy! Literally every decision we make has consequences; some desirable, some… not so much. It’s really worth that second (or even third) thought! :-\