Once upon a time, in a small countryside village, there lived a mischievous little boy. Life in the country had its own challenges, one of which was the necessity to use an outhouse.
For the little boy, this outhouse was a constant source of discomfort and displeasure. It became scorching hot during the summer, bone-chillingly cold in winter, and never seemed to escape the repugnant stench.
Sitting on the edge of a serene creek, the outhouse stood as a practical reminder of his displeasure. And so, the determined little boy made a decision – he would push that loathsome outhouse into the cool embrace of the creek.
His opportunity finally arrived on a day after a refreshing spring rain. The creek had swelled in size, making it the perfect moment to put his plan into action. Armed with a sturdy stick, the little boy approached the object of his disdain.
With all his might, he pushed against the outhouse, persistently striving to make it budge. Slowly but surely, it started leaning. And then, with a great crash, the outhouse tumbled into the creek, floating away downstream.
Little did the boy know, his antics had not gone unnoticed. That evening, after supper, his father solemnly informed him that they would be heading to the woodshed. Fear filled the little boy’s heart, aware that a spanking awaited him. Puzzled, he questioned his father, asking why he was to be punished.
In response, his father calmly replied, “Someone maliciously pushed the outhouse into the creek today. And I have a feeling it was you, my son.” Realizing the consequences of his actions, the boy nervously admitted his guilt.
But then, a spark of inspiration ignited within the little boy’s mind. He remembered learning in school that George Washington, the beloved founding father of their nation, had once confessed to chopping down a cherry tree and had not suffered any punishment for his honesty.
Summoning his courage, the boy confidently stated, “Dad, today in school, I read about George Washington. He told the truth about chopping down a cherry tree and was not punished. Perhaps the same could apply to me?”
Smiling warmly, his father responded, “Well, my son, you see, George Washington’s father wasn’t present when he chopped down that cherry tree. But I was very much present when you decided to push the outhouse into the creek.”
And with a chuckle, the father and son duo headed towards the woodshed, embracing the importance of truth and accountability in their lives.
