"Long Overdue" - by Rev. Weldon Bares

A story in the news caught my attention. It was about a copy of the famous novel, “Gone With the Wind,” by Margaret Mitchell.

Here is what happened. A copy of the novel that had been checked out more than half a century ago was mailed back to Rogers High School in Spokane, Washington.

The book was last checked out in 1949 by a student, Betty Mansfeld. But it was never returned. No one at the school figured out that it was missing, until 65 years later.

The school's principal told the local television station that somebody in Maine who had no connection to the high school had found the old book in his father’s basement, and he sent it back to the school. He also asked for a favor.

He wrote, "Here is the book, as long as I don't have to pay the late fee that is listed in the back of the book at 2 cents a day, that would be around $470. I was not around in 1949, I was born in 1957."

Fortunately, the school had no plans of charging him for the late fee.

Perhaps some things are long overdue in our own lives. A word of encouragement? An apology? Letting go of a long-held grudge? Faithful attendance in church? Spending a few minutes each day thinking about God and talking with God?

It’s a new day. A new year. An opportunity to begin again. Let’s get started in the right way. Some things are long overdue.