The Good Dad

Billy Biggins lived in Chicago, and was crazy about baseball. As soon as he was old enough, his dad started taking him to see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field. Billy always brought his baseball glove to the games, hoping he’d catch a foul ball. He hadn’t caught one yet, but he knew— one day he would. 

Every game, just after the second inning, Billy’s dad bought him a big bag of salty peanuts. They both loved to lick off the salt before they cracked the shells, and tossed them on the ground. There was something about munching on those peanuts, and being messy on purpose that made Billy feel especially close to his dad. He knew his dad really loved him.

One game, just after the second inning, Billy looked sad. “What’s the matter?” Billy’s dad asked. Billy looked down the row at a boy just his age. He was crying. “That boy asked his dad for a bag of peanuts, and his dad said, No.” Billy whispered, “Why can’t that dad be a good dad just like you?”

Billy’s dad thought for a moment and then asked, “Do you think good dads always give their children whatever they want?”

Little Story / Big Question:

What might be a good and loving reason why that father would not buy his son a bag of peanuts?

If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!    Matthew 7:11