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Short Stories (Stories for the Youth), book by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

487- The Motley Ball

 

St-Takla.org Image: Color wheel. صورة في موقع الأنبا تكلا: عجلة الألوان.

On his fourteenth birthday, Mark’s father gave him a beautiful motley football which Mark admired. On the following day, Mark was playing with his friends with the ball. He kicked it forcibly. Thus, it ran to the opposite bank of the pool. Some of the boys ran to cross the bridge leading to the other bank while others put off their clothes and swam in the pool to reach the other bank faster. Nevertheless, before any one reached the other bank, the ball had jumped inside a rapid car. Mark got very sad for he longed to have such a ball. Besides, it was very expensive. He went home. When his mother saw him so sad she was sorry for him but unable to buy him another one. She held his hand saying, “The Lord is very rich. He’s a kind generous father with his children. Certainly, he’ll send you a new ball.”

Mark and his mother knelt and prayed. The following day, Mark saw an old man wandering in the village.

He asked him, “Can I help you?”

“I want to visit someone called so-and-so living in this village.”

Mark showed him the way to this person’s house and asked, “Do you want me to accompany you to show you the way?”

“Thanks, my boy.” The old man answered. He noticed that Mark was a kind, generous boy so he loved him and wanted to give him a present. He gave him a motley ball. Mark was much surprised. He thanked God who sent him what he asked for and thanked the old man. “Why do you thank me?” The old man said, “I didn’t pay for it. The Lord sent it to you. Yesterday, while I was driving in the village, it jumped into my car and I couldn’t stop and look for its owner.”

Tears of joy ran over Mark’s cheek. He went with the old man to show him the way and told him the story of the ball. Therefore, they both lifted their hearts to God thanking him for he even cares for sending the ball back to a young lad.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: مارك والكرة المتعددة الألوان.

O, Lord, you care even for numbering my hair.

You even care for the toys of a child.

You are wonderful in Your love and care.

May I be obsessed with You as You are with me,

Since you always seek my friendship.

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