Author’s Note: One of my absolute favorite things is when my daughters ask me to tell them a story. Driving home at night from somewhere—it’s dark outside, without much traffic, and quiet. Or around the campfire. Or at night before bed. Or (as this morning) on the way to school to make the steep hill we’re walking feel not so daunting. I usually don’t have a story in mind. I just launch into it and see where it goes.
Lately I’ve been writing my girls stories too. Many of the stories explore the theme of what it means to love your neighbor. I think of them as “neighborhood parables.” The story below, which I’ve also used in a children’s sermon, is one example. (It is inspired by this story, the author of which is unknown.) I include some of my discussion questions from my children’s sermon below too.
Hope you enjoy!
Once upon a time there were two brothers who were the best of friends. Born just a couple years apart, they grew up doing everything together, side by side.
Side by side, they explored the hills and the streams and the woods that surrounded their parents’ farm.
Side by side, they ate breakfast in the morning.… Read the rest