The Activity Box
THE ACTIVITY BOX
Read Matthew 11:28-30.
“We have a lot to do today,” said Mom as she put bread in the toaster.
“We always have lots of work on Saturday,” complained Jessica.
“Yeah,” murmured Justin. “Saturdays are no fun anymore!”
Dad poured a cup of coffee. “I don’t like them, either—not because of the work, but because they’re days of whining and grumbling,” he said. “I’m sure the Lord is not pleased with that. Maybe we can find a way to make our work more interesting.”
Justin scowled. “I don’t see how,” he said.
“Please find me a shoe box, Justin,” said Dad a few minutes later. “Jessica, you can bring me some paper and a pencil.” When the children returned with the items, Dad said, “Let’s write everything we have to do today on slips of paper and put them in this box.”
“Change sheets, vacuum, clean bathrooms.” Mom quickly named several tasks.
“Wash the car, wash the dishes, water the plants,” suggested Justin.
“Now,” Dad said, “we’ll take turns drawing out a slip and doing whatever is written on it.”
“Then let’s pack lunch and go to the park when the box is empty,” said Mom.
“All right!” Jessica and Justin cheered. Jessica reached for the box.
Dad held up his hand. “We forgot something,” he said. “We need to give the Lord some time too.”
“Read a chapter in your Bible,” Jessica wrote on a slip of paper.
“Thank God for our family,” wrote Justin.
“Call Uncle John and invite him to church,” said Dad.
Then Dad held the box out to Jessica. “This is going to be the best Saturday we’ve had in a long time,” she said as she drew out a slip and looked at it. Then she groaned. “Even if I do have to clean the bathrooms!”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Have your tasks become boring? Make your own activity box, and do your tasks cheerfully! You may be surprised by how enjoyable a work day can be.
TO MEMORIZE:
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23
WORK CHEERFULLY.
From the book
