It was no difference for those who came in late ...it almost seemed they enjoyed the privilege of being able to do so.

The first thing required was to punch in at one of those old-fashioned time clocks.  And that was the main focus of the job ...after all, everyone wants to get a paycheck.

When union and management met, the union leaders did not dodge any issues brought up ...they knew they were to report back, and attempt to encourage everyone to comply ...but, they all never those expectations would not be fully realized.

They all knew the boss did not like company rules, and he was usually late.  No mention of this would be brought up to the boss ...and all the workers followed his lead, being late also.

Everyone in that division was fully aware of their secret ...and it was agreed that no one dare report it to management.  Their secret was, that they would all take turns showing up on time ...and punch everyone's time cards for them.  On average, everyone else would be an hour late, or more.  They did this for a while, then each person would take turns not coming in at all.  They never slipped up ...being extremely conscientious with the certainly of punching everyone's time card.

Then the dishonesty built to faking an injury on the job ...and all the co-workers would give substantiating reports to support the claim.  They would take turns being off work on disabilities ...and most everyone claimed this was absolutely the best job they ever had.

But, with all this ...work production gradually became less and less.  And this particular issue was brought up at the next union meeting.  The union leader pointed out the fact that they were usually operating a worker short ...because of workplace safety issues, also pointing out that attempting to follow safety guidelines did slow the workers down a bit.

The head of management said he would hire an extra worker to help compensate for the worker on sick leave.  Little did they know ...but, the one to be hired was the company owner's son, Herman.  

Herman had to endure the usual routine paperwork at personnel, and wasn't able to reach his assigned workplace until lunchtime. He was well received, and all the workers were friendly with him.  Herman was also very polite and complimentary ...and it appeared to him that things would go well.

Herman showed up to work early each day ...and went straight to work.  He did not seem to notice what everyone else was doing, but just focused on his task.  

After the first week, one of his co-workers approached him, "Herman, we all really like you, and are glad you are here ...but, why don't you take it a little more easy."

Herman asked, "What do you mean?"

Frank tried a different approach, "You are kind of making the rest of us look bad.  We've all been working here a long time, and we can't keep up that kind of pace.  Sure, we all start out the way you are, but it wears on a body ...it's a long year, and you got to pace yourself."

Herman smiles, "Okay, I'll be careful I don't get burned out.  I like all you guys, and I'd like to keep this job. If you ever feel you are having a particular rough day, I'd be glad to help ...just say so."

Frank puts a hand on his shoulder, "Herman, you don't quite get what I'm saying.  Our boss doesn't like it when someone works as hard as you do.  Don't you get it ...you make us all look bad.  Is that what you want to do ...I know you don't want to do that.  We all want to keep the boss happy, don't we?"

Herman looks confused, "Did the boss tell you that he doesn't like the way I've been working?"

Frank shakes his head, "No, but unless you take my advice ...I'm afraid some of the other workers are going to start feeling uneasy, and I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."

As the weeks progressed, tempers did begin to flare up.  Herman found that his time card was missing, and he had to visit the office.  His boss began blaming him for being irresponsible.  Then there was an investigation into industrial sabotage ...in the area where Herman was working.  

Then one day, there was an electrical failure ...and all the lights went out.  Herman had to be taken to the hospital after that, and he was in critical condition.

Word got around that there was a chance that Herman wouldn't make it through.

Frank visited Herman in the hospital.  Herman did not respond when he entered the room.  Frank just stood there, looking at Herman attached to all these machines.  He didn't notice the gentleman that entered the room behind him.  It sort of startled Frank when he realized someone was behind him, and wondered for how long.

The gentleman asked, "Are you one of Herman's co-workers?"

Frank hesitated, then answered, "Yes, I was just seeing how he was doing ...I was about to leave."

The gentleman insists, "No, you don't need to rush off ...I am glad to see one of his co-workers found time enough to come here."  He extends his hand, "My name is Joe ...I'm Herman's dad.  Even though Herman can't verbalize it, I'm sure he knows we are here ...and I'm sure it makes a big difference.  I do hope you come back to visit, I really appreciate your concern."

Two things bother Frank.  Even though the incident had been written up as a machine accident, Frank knows he is as responsible as the others for what had happened to Herman. And the other thing that bothers Frank is that he feels that he has seen Herman's dad somewhere before ...but can't quite place where he remembers him from.

Frank doesn't visit the next two days, but something draws him back the following day.  Herman's dad greets him enthusiastically.  Frank can see how Herman had been so friendly ...he probably got it from his dad.  Frank asks if there was any improvement, but sadly there was no change.

The next day, Frank shows up for work earlier ...and uncharacteristically, works harder than he ever has.  His co-workers feel uneasy about this ...asking him if he remembered it was his turn to stay home.  Frank very directly responds, "Yes, I remember ...but I wonder if any of you remember what we did to Herman?  I am as much responsible as any of you ...for his being in critical condition.  And what seemed like a good thing we had going here, turned bad, only because someone came along who wanted to do things right.  I'm sure he was aware of all the games we were playing, but he never reported us.  Now, he's in the hospital because we all didn't like the fact that he was being honest and we weren't."

Frank returned to the hospital after work.  Herman's dad was there, and was very happy in greeting Frank.

Frank asks, "Has there been any improvement?"

Herman's dad replies, "Yes, there has been significant improvement."  But, during the entire visit, Frank does not see any response from Herman.

Frank continues to come in early to work, and even works through his lunch break ...and he continues to visit Herman in the hospital.  After a couple days, Kyle begins following Frank's example ...and comes in early, going straight to his job station.

Frank finds Herman's dad reading a Bible when he enters the room.  Frank asks, "Has there been any improvement today?"

Herman's dad smiles, "Much improvement!"  But, Frank wonders why Herman appears to be sleeping each time he visits.

Frank decides to visit on Sunday.  He will be able to stay longer, and he figures he will be able to see Herman ...when he wakes up.  Herman's dad said there was even more improvement, but throughout the entire afternoon, Frank sees no indication of any response from Herman.  

It is too much for Frank, "Each day you say your son is improving more and more, but I am never here at the right time."

Herman's dad smiles, "You are here at the right time."

Frank is confused, "But ...."

Herman's dad smiles, "Haven't you asked each day whether there was any improvement.  There was more improvement each day.  You started to come to work on time ...that's improvement.  Then you started getting your co-workers attention by your hard work, and you shared with them about your guilt about what you had done ...that was improvement. Then your influence caused Kyle to follow your example ...and that was improvement."

This was all too wild for Frank, he blurted out, "How do you know all this?"  He hesitated, then began to cry, "You mean, when I asked if there was any improvement, you were saying yes ...because you were referring to me?"

Herman's dad walks over to Frank, and puts a hand on his shoulder, "I'll answer your second question first.  Yes, I was referring to your improvement.  My son has shown no improvement ...they don't feel he has long to live."

Frank hangs his head and continues to sob, even more so upon hearing of Herman's hopeless condition.

Herman's dad continues, "To answer your first question, I have to first ask you a question.  Do I look at all familiar to you?"

Frank looks up, not really being able to see a thing through the tears, but it finally dawns on him.  He cannot speak.

Herman's dad says, "Yes, I'm not only Herman's dad, but I'm your employer.  And I know this was no accident what happened to Herman.  But, I also know that you've tormented yourself with it long enough.  I was a terrible thing that you all did to my son, but even worse is if you live your entire life tormented with the guilt of it."  

Frank kneels beside Herman's bed, "I'm sorry ...I'm so sorry!!"

Herman's dad kneels beside him, "I forgive you.  And Herman would be proud of you too.  Sometimes it takes one to make a difference ...and sometimes it takes two."

Luke 20: 9-13

"A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent another servant. But they also beat and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. And he sent yet a third. This one also they wounded and cast out. Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’"