Reward

“Good job, Ernie!” his parents were thrilled when they saw his report card.

“Would you reward me with a cell phone?” Ernie asked.

“Cell phone?!” his parents exclaimed. “You don’t need it.”

“My friends have cell phones!” Ernie insisted.

“All of them?” his father asked.

“Yes, except Teo and me,” Ernie said.

“Well, you talk to Teo and your other friends on our landline. A cell phone is not necessary,” his father stressed.

“We could save the money for more important things,” his mom added.

“Like?” Ernie asked.

“Like your tuition fee and school needs,” replied his mother.

“No reward then?” Ernie asked.

“That’s the reward, Ernie – savings for your education,” his father explained. “I never told you this, but I will now. My parents didn’t go to school, so they couldn’t get a good job. They couldn’t afford to send me to school.”

“Oh, no…” Ernie said.

“But,” his father smiled, “God blessed me with an aunt, your Lola Miriam, who taught me about hard work. She spent for my schooling and gave me a job! She paid me for the chores I did for her. I had savings for my daily needs!”

“Er, Papa…” Ernie said, “can I do chores for you sometime? I want to save for my education, too!”

“Let’s start right now!” his father exclaimed.

***

Prayer:

Father, may I always know what is important

and what is not. Amen.

Memory verse:

“Keep me from looking at worthless things.

Let me live by your word.” Psalm 119:37

“Quiet Time with Mateo – 52 Weekly Devotions for Children” is published by OMF Literature, Inc. and available at leading bookstores.