AUGUST 13, Galatians 6:10 

“Jacob told me his dad got a bonus at his job,” reported Alex one day. “What’s a bonus, Mom?”

“A bonus is something extra that you get in addition to what you have earned” explained Mom. Alex liked that idea. “I wish I could get a bonus,” he said.

“Well, here’s an idea,” said Mom. “Every day, think of one or two things you can do for other people. 'then do them. Try it for a week and see what happens.”

Alex was thoughtful for a moment. “You mean I’ll get bonuses for helping?” he asked. “Who will give them to me? Whoever I help?”

“Not always” said Mom. But sometimes, they come from people in the form of an expression of thankfulness and gratitude for what you did for them. More importantly, God is pleased with you for doing good to others.”

Alex decided to try it. at week he polished his dad’s shoes; he washed the oor; he even took his dog for a walk. After all, dogs are God’s creatures, too, he thought. “My experiment is going pretty good,” Alex told his mother one day, “but I’m not sure if I have gotten any bonuses yet.”

“Well, think about it,” said Mom. “How do you feel when you’ve done something nice for someone?”

As he thought it over, Alex realised he felt happy when he finished a job. “I feel good,” he replied, “and you know what else? When I help people, they smile at me a lot, too.”

Mom nodded. “ That sounds like a bonus to me!” she said. “ The Bible says Jesus went about doing good, and you’ve been doing that, too. I know He’s pleased with you,and that’s worth a lot.”“I guess so,”agreed Alex,“but once in a while it would be nice to get something I can hold in my hand.”

“True,” said Mom. Opening the freezer door, she added, “Right now you may have the bonus of an ice cream bar for packing your room without being told.” Alex grinned happily.

Thought: Have you been “doing good” as Jesus did?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to do good to others. I’ve friends or siblings or parents who would appreciate a little help sometimes, so teach me to be a blessing to them! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.