Today there was a fight between two eleven year old girls in the Village. Actually it was quite one sided. Marjorie got mad at Genica and scratched her bad enough to draw blood. Genica came to me to mediate. I had a private conversation with Marjorie and she admitted that she got mad and scratched Genica. I then had private conversation with Genica to get her side of the story which matched Marjorie’s.
I asked Marjorie if she was ready to ask for forgiveness and she said “yes” (actually she said “Wi’”) She came in and the two friends made up with a sweet hug and Marjorie saying she was so sorry. I had a nice conversation with them about how friends should treat each other and how the Bible tells us to act towards one another. So far I’d say this was a typical spat between two adolescent friends but what came next surprised me.
As we were leaving the room, Marjorie stopped in the doorway, turned to me and said (in English) “Thank you!” I responded with “You are welcome” but was taken aback by a “thank you” after being corrected for what she had done. I have no recollection of any of my children ever thanking me for being corrected.
As I thought about it, I remembered that Marjorie has never known a Dad and therefore probably never endured a fatherly correction. She was thanking me for being willing to sit down with her and discuss how the Bible says she should act. She is a Christian and wants to do the right things but I’m not sure she receives very much good council from her overwhelmed Mom. This isn’t the first time this trip that I’ve seen good fruit from wise council.
A short time later Marjorie again came to me and said, in English, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry”. Oh how I pray for teachers and doctors and preachers to teach, help and show the way for these listening needy and receptive people.
