Bible Reading: Luke 15:11-32

Ayden found his little brother Felix in the kitchen, standing in a mess of raw eggs.

"What happened?" asked Ayden.

Felix shrugged. "I wanted to see what would happen if I dropped a carton of eggs."

"You're in trouble."

Felix hung his head. "I know."

Mom would be down any minute. Ayden thought about helping Felix clean, but he didn't want Mom to think he was involved. "You'd better clean up before Mom sees."

Felix started cleaning. Ayden slipped into the other room. After a few minutes, Mom walked into the kitchen and gasped. Ayden couldn't help but listen.

"Felix, what's going on?" Mom asked.

"I dropped a carton of eggs. On purpose." At least Felix was honest. He sniffled. "I'm really sorry, Mom. I know I shouldn't have."

All was quiet. Then Mom said, "I forgive you."

Ayden peeked around the corner. Mom was on her hands and knees, helping Felix clean! This couldn't be happening. It wasn't fair.

Ayden stormed into the kitchen. "Why isn't Felix in trouble?" He avoided Felix's gaze. "I'm the one who always does what I'm supposed to. Why don't I ever get the attention?"

Mom gestured for Ayden to join them. He dragged his feet as he walked over. "I love both of you," Mom said. "Always. Whether you mess up or not." She kissed Ayden on the forehead, then Felix. "Felix was honest with me, and we can celebrate that. Just like we can celebrate that no one will dump eggs on my floor again. Right?"

Felix blushed. "Right."

A story from church came to Ayden's mind--the prodigal son. The younger son went off and made a mess of things, but when he came home, his father celebrated. The older son was angry his father hadn't celebrated him, since he'd been around all along. The older son had missed the point.

Ayden didn't want to miss the point. Mom loved him, and she loved Felix. And God also loved both of them. Jesus died for their wrongs so they could be God's children, and He would always love and forgive them, no matter what.

Ayden hugged Mom. "Can I help?"

Felix grinned. "Yes, please!"

Ayden grabbed a paper towel, and they got to work.

–Becca Wierwille