APRIL 27, Colossians 3:23

“Hi there, Jon. How was school today?” asked Mom cheerfully.

“Okay,” said Jon. He hesitated, then reluctantly handed her his report card.

“Oh, report card day,” said Mom. She looked it over. “Hm-m-m-m,” she murmured. “Some of your grades have dropped since your last report card, but if these are the best you can do, they’re fine.” She looked at Jon. “Are you doing your best?” she asked. “This D in reading, for example. Is that really your best? You’ve gotten A’s and B’s in that subject before.”

“Yeah, but it’s boring,” grumbled Jon. Mom frowned but didn’t say any more.

When Mom called Jon for dinner that evening, he shuffled slowly to the dining table. He was not eager to hear Dad’s opinion of his report card. “It’s too dark here,” complained Jon as he pulled out his chair. The light over the table was very dim. “I can’t even see what we’re going to eat. Can’t we have brighter lights?”

Dad grinned. “For some mysterious reason, women like to eat with the lights dimmed, Son,” he said, “but we guys like to see what we’re eating, don’t we?” Mom laughed and reached for the light switch. The room brightened at once. “That’s much better!” declared Jon. “Dinner looks yummy!” And after dinner, Jon grinned at his mother. “Okay,” he said, “now you can hit the dimmer switch again if you like it dark.”

Dad picked up Jon’s report card. “From looking at your grades, Jon,” he said, “I get the impression that the dining room light is the only thing you like to have working at full power.” Mom nodded. “For some mysterious reason, kids seem to like to use a ‘mental dimmer switch’ and turn down the brain power when they do their school work,” she teased. Then she looked serious. “Neither parents nor God would be pleased if they do that,” added Mom.

“Right!” agreed Dad. “If the dining room lights couldn’t be any brighter, that would be okay-we could enjoy our food anyway. And if these grades are the best you can do, that’s fine, too. On the other hand, if you’re able to do better, it’s time you buckle down and study harder.”

Thought: Whatever you do, always do your best for the Lord!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to do my best for You, in whatever task You have given me. This I pray in Jesus’ name – Amen.