Little Johnny came into the kitchen

Little Johnny came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner.

His birthday was coming up and he thought this was a good time to tell his mother what he wanted.

“Mom, I want a bike for my birthday.”

Little Johnny was a bit of a troublemaker.

He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.

Johnny’s mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday.

Little Johnny, of course, though he did.

Johnny’s mother wanted Johnny to reflect on his behavior over the last year.

“Go to your room, Johnny, and think about how you have behaved this year.

Then write a letter to God and tell him why you deserve a bike for your birthday.”

Little Johnny stomped up the steps to his room and sat down to write God a letter.

Dear God, I have been a very good boy this year and I would like a bike for my birthday.

I want a red one.

Your friend, Johnny.

Johnny knew that this wasn’t true.

He had not been a very good boy this year, so he tore up the letter and started over.