SEPTEMBER 13, Ecclesiastes 9:10

One Saturday morning, Kok Peng sat at the kitchen table, reading a sports magazine. “Did you memorise the Bible verses for tomorrow?” asked his sister, Siew Peng. “This is the last week we can recite them for prizes, and Mrs. Chan said we have to know them all or we won’t be included in the winners’ group.”

Kok Peng scowled. “I hate memorizing,” he mumbled. “It’s too hard.”

“Don’t forget to feed Riley,” said Mom as she cleared the table. At the mention of his name, the dog picked up his bowl and dropped it at Kok Peng’s feet.

“Just a minute, boy,” said Kok Peng. He put down the magazine, got up, and went to his room. Riley picked up his bowl, followed Kok Peng, and again dropped it at Kok Peng’s feet.

“In a minute,” repeated Kok Peng, taking a few seconds to half-heartedly study his verse. Once more, Riley dropped his bowl. Kok Peng laughed. “You don’t give up, do you, Riley?” he asked. “Okay, I’ll feed you.”

In Sunday School, Kok Peng tried to recite his verses, but he could not remember much of it. “Who cares?” he thought, “I bet the prize is a pencil anyway, and I already have enough pencils.” But the prize wasn’t a pencil. It was a beautiful Bible cover, and Sharon was one of the winners.

“It’s not fair,” grumbled Kok Peng on the way home. “Sharon gets everything!”

“Sharon worked hard at that contest,” said Dad.”Right,” agreed Mom. “She showed as much diligence as Riley did when he wanted breakfast.” “I don’t even know what that means,” Kok Peng mumbled. “What’s ‘diligence’?”

“It’s keeping at something and refusing to give up, like what Riley does,” said Mom. “He doesn’t get lazy and give up,” added Dad. “I think we should all be a little more like him. When we’re diligent, we give our best effort. That’s what we should do in all areas of our lives. That’s the way to be a winner.” As Kok Peng thought about it, he felt a little foolish-he hadn’t expected to learn a lesson from his dog!

Thought: Do you give your best in everything you do?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may I remember to do things “with my might” - to be diligent. In other words, I must give my best effort in doing my chores, learning about God, doing schoolwork, or “whatever my hand finds to do.” In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.