Episode 11: The Boy Who Learned to Think
Weekly Reading: Chapters 12-13
What a happy conclusion to the story of Kelly Nash! However, doesn’t it seem like we should change the title of the book to “Kelly Nash: The Boy Who Learned to Think?” Kelly is definitely a different boy than he was at the beginning of our story!
We see this new “thought-full” Kelly in chapter 12, where Kelly has a “Trying Interview” with farmer Dodkins. Remember the last time we saw Mr. Dodkins? He stormed into the mill, furious at Kelly for painting his coat. Poor Mr. Hilger received some very unkind words from the farmer that day. When we’re angry, it is very easy to say things we don’t really mean (or to say things we do mean, but will regret later). Farmer Dodkins told Mr. Hilger to fire Kelly immediately!
Well, how do you think Mr. Dodkins felt when he learned that Kelly and the entire mill had been swept down the river? Wouldn’t it be awful to cast angry words toward someone you love only to find out the next day that you would never be able to say you’re sorry? That is why it is so important to follow God’s instructions to,
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).
Wow! God gave us some really good counsel there, didn’t he? Can you imagine if we all lived like this—not letting the sun go down on our anger? Although it may feel good to be angry sometimes, it never feels good for very long. Instead, God wants us to “keep short sin accounts.” What are short sin accounts? It’s exactly what it sounds like, admitting wrong and apologizing to God and those we’ve hurt within seconds or minutes after we’ve have sinned. (Why wait?!) Then, we will be filled with the greatest freedom and joy! Why? Because love never fails; or maybe we can say it this way, “Love always wins!”
Kelly is keeping a short sin account when he decides to apologize to farmer Dodkins. Instead of being upset with the farmer for telling Mr. Hilger to fire him, Kelly chooses love. There is a saying that he who is forgiven much loves much. This is certainly true of Kelly. He is choosing to show love to farmer Dodkins, even though the farmer had been so mean to him. This is because our young hero knows how much God has forgiven him for his young, careless life. And that’s the beauty of forgiveness—knowing how much we’ve been forgiven melts away our hurt and increases our love for others. And so, without any reservation Kelly apologizes to farmer Dodkins.
How does the farmer respond?
“I don’t forgive you, that’s certain…I’m much to put out about the mill to be pleased with anybody this morning” (page 115).
Ouch! What a response! Thankfully, the Lord brought Mr. Ingalls there to be Kelly’s advocate (an advocate is one who pleads the case of another). Isn’t it interesting that in 1st John 2:1 we learn that Jesus is our advocate? He stands in our defense when we are accused. How cool is that?
Mr. Ingalls reminds Farmer Dodkins about what God has done in Kelly’s life. He tells the farmer:
“I reckon all the timber, and all the machinery, and all the mills in the world are not worth speaking of in comparison with one human soul that will go on living for ever with the Lord.”
This was a new view of the case to Farmer Dodkins…John had spoken truly. The loss of the mill had indeed been great gain (pages 116-117). What a radical way of looking at things! Although most of us don’t have to worry about our house floating down the river, there is something important we can learn here. When things don’t go the way we think they should, we can trust that God’s ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (see Isaiah 55:8-9).
Now that God’s words had softened the farmer’s heart, he is willing to extend forgiveness to Kelly. But, more than that, he remembered what Mr. Ingalls said for many years to come. When the Lord does a great work in one of his children’s lives—everyone is blessed. What a wonderful thought! Kelly, the boy who didn’t think is now helping everyone around him to become a little more thought-full. Isn’t that amazing?
What a wonderful note to end this study guide on. It’s hard to believe that we’ve read through the whole book—although, it is a short one! We’ve gone on quite the adventure with our young hero. Has the Lord been teaching you anything about yourself as you read? Do you relate with any of the characters? Is there any area in your life you would like to see changed?
Whatever it might be, may you show kindness like Annie, love like Mrs. Ingalls, have bold courage like Mr. Ingalls, humble yourself like Truman, forgive like farmer Dodkins, and become a little more thought-full like Kelly!
Blessings,
The Lamplighter Team
Weekly Activity
Quick and Fun Basket-Making Activity: "Paper Cup Baskets"
Kelly Nash is learning to be a cooper, just like Mr. Ingalls. He is learning how to make baskets, barrels, and all sorts of things. For today’s activity, we are going to learn how to make a basket—just like Kelly!
Materials Needed:
Paper cups (any size)
Scissors
Markers, crayons, or stickers
Ribbon, string, or pipe cleaners
Instructions:
Prepare the Cup: Take a paper cup and cut vertical slits from the rim to about halfway down the cup. Space the slits evenly around the cup.
Decorate: Color or decorate the strips with markers, crayons, or stickers. You can get as creative as you want!
Weave the Basket: Use ribbon, yarn, or strips of colored paper to weave in and out of the slits. Make sure to gently tuck the weaving material under and over each strip.
[Optional] Add a Handle: Punch two holes near the rim on opposite sides of the cup. Thread a pipe cleaner or ribbon through the holes to create a handle.
Show It Off: You can use your “basket” to hold small toys, treats, or trinkets. Or, give it as a Christmas gift!
Memory Verse
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil”
Ephesians 4:26-27
Study Guide Questions for Episode 11:
Kelly Nash:
The Boy Who Didn’t Think
Every week there will be a reading assignment. So if you don’t have one already, be sure to purchase your very own copy of the book!
