Pinocchio and a Lesson in Forgiveness

Last week, during our trip to Southern California, we took the children to Disneyland. It was a great time experiencing Disney Joy through the eyes of our children. Our last trip was three years ago to Disney World in Orlando. Here's a blog I wrote following our Orlando trip three years ago: 


After six long years, Brandon has finally forgiven Pinocchio. You're probably wondering, “What heinous act could Pinocchio possibly have committed to produce SIX years of hostility in Brandon?”

During a trip to Disneyland many years ago, Pinocchio took Brandon’s blankie. No, he didn’t steal it. There was nothing malicious about it. Pinocchio simply borrowed it, admired it, cuddled with it for a few seconds and returned it. However, to three-year-old Brandon, Pinocchio broke the cardinal toddler rule: Never touch the blanket of a three-year-old! This was a direct infringement on his personal space and property and for six years he was resolute in his determination to not let it go.

This summer, while on our trip to Disney World, Brandon decided that in was about time to end his six-year feud with the wooden boy and forgive Pinocchio. Wouldn’t you know that amidst the thousands of people at the Magic Kingdom, amidst all of the characters to meet, Pinocchio was the first saw upon entering the park. After waiting patiently in line, Brandon said his peace to Pinocchio, hugged him and made amends. 

It’s funny how momentary interactions, like Brandon’s incident with Pinocchio many years ago, have the potential to produce such hurt and hostility within us. God gives us a choice as to how we will respond to them. In reflecting on this little incident, this is what I learned:

In the Bible there is a man named Lamech, who in Genesis 4:23-24, vows vengeance seventy-seven times on all who dare to offend him. With every grudge, with every grievance, Lamech chose to get even.

In Matthew 18:21-22, Jesus offers us a different way to choose to live. He tells his disciples to extend forgiveness seventy-seven times. Throughout the Bible, Jesus continually seeks after the restoration and reconciliation of relationships. Firstly, the restoration of man’s relationship with God; then, whenever possible, the restoration of our relationships with one another.

I want my life to resemble the way of Jesus, not the lifestyle of Lamech.