Our granddaughter, Abigail (12), asked if Teri would edit a report she wrote on a classic, short story. Teri edited and commented on it and set it on the counter for Abby to pick up. Since the report was facedown with the last page up, which contained Abigail’s summary paragraph, I read those three neatly, handwritten lines. I was delighted and amazed by what Abigail said. Here it is:
“While this story is interesting, it has no value. It does not teach the reader anything. So, while it does entertain you, you are not any wiser, and you have not learned anything while reading this story.”
Today entertainment is often the goal and justification for many (most?) children’s activities. I wish I’d had the wisdom at Abby’s age to evaluate the things I was spending my time on growing up as to whether they would help me grow in wisdom. Way to go Nathan and Melanie (Abby’s parents)!
“All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient” (1 Corinthians 6:12).
This is so true and such a reminder for us as we homeschool our children. Thank you Abigail, your words have really encouraged and inspired me today.
Way to go Abigail! So true! Thank you for sharing this.
Wow – I love this!
This was so interesting and helpful to read! Thank you Steve for sharing it.
What a wise, prudent girl!!
Thank you for sharing this.
How many college graduates with even doctorate degrees might never reach this level of wisdom and maturity. I know I did not have this kind of discernment at her age. Praise God for His mercy and grace and the amazing heritage you are passing on to the third generation and beyond. Please pass on my thankfulness to Abigail for her beautiful example of honoring her parents and God’s Word. I believe the Lord is blessing the faithfulness of her parents and grandparents. Your family has encouraged me once again. Thank you for sharing!
What short story did Abigail read? Her report is rather short, but I guess the short story was,too!
We chose not to name the story so that what Abby actually read wasn’t the basis of a blog debate. The report was much longer. The last page happened to have the summary on it. If you look at the photo, you can see another page. That page was filled front and back, handwritten, double spaced like the last page. This second page had the front filled as well. The summary is on the back. If the summary takes up about 1/4 of a page, then the summary was about 1/13th of the report.