FEBRUARY 2, Proverbs 20:3

“Sara’s mad at me,” Mandy told her mother as they drove into Jurong West Avenue 2. “When she got an ‘A’ for our spelling test, and I got only a ‘C,’ I… I said she must have cheated. I know I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Why don’t you call and apologise?” suggested Mom. “Yes, and I will, but… not right now,” Mandy decided. “I think I’ll just wait until she’s in a better mood.” As Mom turned down a side road, Mandy looked at her in surprise. “Why are we turning here?” “This is a shorter way to the supermarket,” said Mom. “I’m not sure of the way, but let’s try it.” That did not seem like the right way. “I think we should go back,” said Mandy.

“I think you’re right,” agreed Mom. “We’ll have to find a place to turn around.” “How about there?” Mandy pointed to Jurong West Avenue 6. Mom slowed down, but shook her head. “No,” she said, “I think I’ll go up to Avenue 7 then turn back.”

A little later, Mandy motioned toward the direction of Avenue 2. “How about here?” she asked. But Mom passed by it, too. “That’s not exactly the perfect spot, either,” she said.

“Mom!” Mandy protested after a few minutes. “If you ask me, the first possible spot is the perfect spot!”

“I’m beginning to think you’re right,” agreed Mom as she slowed down and now turned to the right direction. “I guess we’ll turn around right here.”

When they were on their way again, Mom turned toward Mandy. “Waiting for a perfect spot was foolish, wasn’t it?” asked Mom. “We made a mistake in coming this way, and the first chance to correct that mistake was the best chance. That’s true when we make other mistakes, too, and need to apologise for something. It’s foolish to wait for a better time to do it.” Mandy looked thoughtful. After a moment, she asked, “Mom, can I use your cell phone? I’ll give Sara a call.”

“Good idea,” approved Mom. “I’m glad to hear that, and I’m sure God is, too.”

Thought: When you find it hard to apologise, seek God’s help!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know I am stubborn and sometimes do not apologise when I know I am wrong. Help me to grow up and do the right thing, and to know the best time to apologise is to do it immediately after I realise I am wrong. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.