The Knife

Grandpa Mack was Aaron's strictest grandpa. It wasn't that Aaron didn't love him, it was just that he might have been a little intimidated by him.
One day, Mack was sharpening his big knives in the kitchen. Aaron wanted to see what it was like, so he picked up some newly sharpened knives and started playing with them.

"Be careful, Aaron," said Grandpa. "I just sharpened those knives."

Aaron payed no attention to those instructions, and kept on playing. Then, in a flash...

Slice.

Before Aaron knew it, the knife had cut into his finger and created a gash--two inches long. It was so fast, it didn't even hurt! He stared at his finger in horror, eyes as wide as a bashful puppy's. 

Grandpa can't find out about this! He'll be so angry, Aaron thought. In a moment, he was away from the table running to the bathroom. His finger bled and bled.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

When he realized that wouldn't help, he rushed up the stairs and into a bedroom. 

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip.

Like a rabbit, he scampered behind the bed. The hunter was about to find him, so he hid in the corner, away from those knives. After a while of watching blood drip from his finger some more, Grandpa Mack had located Aaron--his prey. Aaron was so frightened, for he did not want to be punished. 

But Grandpa came to Aaron, and in a calm, loving voice, he said this: "I'll bandage it up."

Aaron was shocked. Grandpa didn't even get mad! 

Pretty soon, Aaron had a thick bandage wrapped around his injured finger. He had to wear it for a few weeks, until it was healed.

During the time of the healing process, the bandage was a constant reminder that it's important to obey your elders. They know what's best.

What did you learn from this story?

Time: 20 minutes