Toothpicks Or Treasure
TOOTHPICKS OR TREASURE
Read Psalm 90:10, 12-17.
“Carl!” called Dad as he hung up the phone. Carl knew by the tone of Dad’s voice that there was going to be trouble.
“That was your principal,” said Dad. “He told me you were sent to his office today for goofing off in class and talking disrespectfully to your teacher.”
Carl looked uncomfortable. “It wasn’t my fault,” he protested. “Jack started it. Besides, that class is boring!”
“Maybe it wouldn’t be so boring if you studied your lessons more often,” Dad replied sternly.
Carl shrugged. “Aw, Dad, if I studied all the time, I wouldn’t have any fun!”
Dad was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “Come down to my workroom. I want to show you something.”
After rummaging around in a box, Dad pulled out a small, thick piece of wood. “This belonged to Grandpa Williams,” he said.
Carl looked at it curiously. “That can’t be worth much,” he said finally.
“Oh, but it is. It’s solid cherry,” said Dad. “Remember the hand-carved figure Mom has on the coffee table? Grandpa Williams used to carve those and sell them to collectors. They were made from the same kind of wood as this piece.”
Carl whistled. “Wow! I guess that is valuable after all.”
“On the other hand,” said Dad, “if it were cut up into toothpicks, it wouldn’t be worth much. The wood must be used properly. And the same thing is true of a life. Life is a gift from God. It’s important to use it well. Don’t be careless with it and waste it.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Do you think the most important thing in life is having fun? Are you careless in your schoolwork or lazy about prayer and Bible reading? Life passes quickly. Don’t waste it.
TO MEMORIZE:
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.
Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV
USE YOUR LIFE CAREFULLY.
From the book
