Finding the Way Back to Mayberry
Lesson 17 - The New Housekeeper
Introduction
Andy and Opies housekeeper, Rose, is marrying Wilbur Pine and moving away.
Andys Aunt Bee is coming to live with them and raise Opie, just as she raised Andy
years before. Aunt Bee is thrilled to be needed. Opie pleads for Rose to stay, but Andy
explains that she is leaving for good.
When Aunt Bee arrives, Opie immediately rejects her. He tells Andy that Aunt Bee cant fish, hunt frogs, or play baseball like Rose did. These are important things for a little boy. Andy attempts to teach Aunt Bee, but she is a total washout as an angler and athlete. The situation worsens when Aunt Bee accidentally allows Opies pet bird to escape from his cage. Believing that Opie will never accept her, Aunt Bee regretfully decides to leave...
Lesson Points
Handling the Changes
Lifes different stages
Insurmountable challenges (2 Cor. 4:7-9)
Faith in Gods Will (Matt. 6:25-27)
Expectations...
of others
in our relationships
of God (James 1:17)
Acceptance
Based on conditions
Begins with us
Prayer for unity (John 17:20-23)
Change of Heart
Like a child (Matt. 18:4)
Seeing things in a different light
Discussion
Opie was forced to deal with some drastic changes in life at a very young age. How do we
deal with the unexpected turns and changes that come our way?
Aunt Bee was also forced to deal with changes. What can we learn from her patience and her willingness to go the second mile?
How did Rose affect Opies expectation of Aunt Bee? How might past experiences in our life affect our expectations of others? Are our expectations always realistic?
Opies acceptance of Aunt Bee was based on specific conditions. What are some of the conditions we place on others before giving them our acceptance?
In the end, Opie realized that it wasnt all about him - that the well being of others was more important. What can be learned from this example?
Final Thought
"You need me!" - Opie