"It's mine," argued Mary.  

Mother heard them arguing. She walked over to where Jimmy and Mary were playing on the patio in the backyard. She held out her hand, and said. "Jimmy, please, hand me the yo-yo."  

Slowly, Jimmy handed the bright red yo-yo to his mother. 

"Now, see what you did, Mary," he cried. 

"That will be enough," Mother said sternly.  

Jimmy could see his mother meant what she said. He sat down on a white patio chair. Mary sat on another. Mother sat down, too. She sat for a few minutes in silence. Then she smiled and said, "First, I am sorry to say I do not remember who this yo-yo belongs to at the moment. I remember buying one red one and one blue one, but I forgot who I gave each one of the colors to, children."  

"Now, may I ask you both something? Would you like me to break this one in half so each of you gets your share?" Mother asked, adding, "I do not know the rightful owner. Do you agree?"  

"Sure," said Jimmy. 

Mary sobbed. "No, no, you can have it Jimmy. Mother, do not break it, please."  

Mother smiled and handed the red yo-yo to Mary. The children were surprised.  

Jimmy started to protest, then with eyes looking down, he whispered. "My blue yo-yo got lost. I am sorry Mary. The red one is yours."  

Mary turned to Mother and asked. "Mother, how did you know the red yo-yo was mine?"  

Mother smiled and told them it reminded her of a story in the Bible. This is the story she told Mary and Jimmy.  

“A long time ago, there lived a wise old King. One day two women came before him. They had with them one small baby. They each claimed the baby as their own. Just like you both claimed the red yo-yo was yours.  

The wise old King thought deeply for a moment. Then he asked the women a very important question. He asked, "Since you both claim this child, we will divide it evenly. Then you will both have an equal portion. Do you agree?" He took the child and brought out a long sharp sword.  

The first woman said, "Yes, divide the child."  

The second woman cried out in anguish. "Please, give the baby to her, dear King. I do not wish to see the baby killed."  

The King in turn smiled and handed the baby to the second woman, knowing she was truly the baby's mother. The true mother would rather give up her baby than see any harm come to it.” I Kings 3:16-28  

You can see by the story the rightful mother loved the baby and did not want it hurt. The same way, Mary so enjoyed the yo-yo, she would rather give it to you, Jimmy, than have it broken in half.  

"That is so right, Mother," exclaimed Mary. "Come on Jimmy, I'll share my red yo-yo with you. We can take turns with it."  

"Thanks, Mary, I'm sorry to have made you cry," said Jimmy. "Maybe my blue yo-yo will turn up sooner or later."  

They both ran off to play. Mother went in to do the dishes. 

© Evelyn Heinz

Evelyn is a mother of 7, grandmother of 17