Johnny Bickle

Johnny Bickle is an eager Odyssey boy who tries to practice the Golden Rule immediately after learning it at Whit's End. His first efforts go badly. A calculator meant to help Linda with math feels like an insult, and she cancels their plans. Johnny and Connie then spend their savings on a television for Whit, not knowing Whit gave up television years ago and cannot keep it. Discouraged, Johnny believes every good deed has failed. Whit teaches him that obeying God remains worthwhile even when the result is not visible. A buyer soon appears for the television, and Linda returns with forgiveness and an offer to help his spelling. Generous but inexperienced, Johnny learns to serve without demanding that kindness unfold exactly as he expects.