Episode 7: The Boy Who Lost a Friend
Weekly Reading: Chapter 7
Farmer Dodkins is wealthy, well-known, and well off. He steps onto the pages of our story with pomp and self-importance, ready for his annual, boring “business talk” at the mill. While the farmer is meeting with Mr. Hilger, Kelly Nash is eagerly employed in a business of his own—painting.
With a swish-swish here and a swish-swish there, Kelly spreads a thick layer of paint on each bag of flour. A fresh, cool breeze wafts in through the open windows, and a big grin is on his freckled face.
Kelly Nash, with all his faults, is enjoying his work.
The trouble starts when Kelly finishes his work and “looks about for something to do.” But, instead of seeing what needs to be done and doing it, Kelly gets himself into some trouble. Spotting farmer Dodkin’s coat, he gives into his first impulse of mischief and paints the coat in big, bold strokes.
Kelly certainly has a pattern of giving in to his own personal pleasures and whims. Why, the first moment he met little Annie, he tricked her into getting weighed as if she were a bag of flour. He also stole a handful of her bright, bursting berries, asked her to go and get his hat, and locked her in the mill. It’s hardly surprising that he went so far as to paint the farmer’s coat.
Although Kelly whooped and hollered with joy at his foolish behavior, it’s not all fun and games. Kelly is about to face a very serious consequence for his action.
The Bible tells us that “we will reap what we sow” (Galatians 6:7). What does that mean? Well, when a farmer is ready to plant his crop—corn, for example, he goes out into the field and plants corn seed in the ground. As time passes, what do you think happens next? The seed takes root, and a lovely crop of banana trees grow! Wait, that’s not quite right. I think…tomatoes might grow instead. Or was it…watermelons? Of course not! Corn grows from corn seed!
In the same way, if we plant little seeds of laziness, selfishness, and carelessness, we will watch those seeds grow into big plants of laziness, selfishness, and carelessness. No-one wants a garden full of those kinds of plants!
This is why we need to slow down, be intentional, and learn to say “no” to what we want to do and instead do what we ought. Instead of falling asleep when we pray (like Kelly), or rushing into doing what we want, we can sow the right kinds of seeds in our lives and grow the right kind of fruit. What kind of fruit? The fruit of the Spirit, of course!
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a).
When we scatter the seeds of these fruits in our hearts and minds, we will have an abundant harvest that lasts for eternity!
As you step into this week, take time to be intentional. Ask the Lord to help you overcome the weeds of selfishness, laziness, and [insert whatever you struggle with], and instead grow the seeds of love that eventually lead to self-control.
Do you think Kelly will learn these lessons? What do you think will happen next to our thoughtless little hero? Do you think Mr. Hilger will actually fire Kelly? Is this what it will finally take to get Kelly to “start thinking”?
Let’s keep reading to find out…
Weekly Activity
In Chapter 7 we see the result of one of Kelly’s thoughtless pranks.
We don’t always see the fruit—or lack thereof—of our actions. Unfortunately, most of the town sees the evidence of Kelly’s handiwork on Mr. Hilger’s linen coat. I want you to imagine you are on the main street that Mr. Hilger is walking down on page 74. You hear school children and “rough boys” alike whispering, “T.P. Hilger, Kirkland Mill,” and laughing or wondering at the painted work on his coat. How would you react?
Write a short paragraph describing how your response should be!
Memory Verse
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;”
Galations 5:22-23a
Study Guide Questions for Chapter 7:
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!
