Day 9

In a room full of two-year-old children the exclamation, “Mine!” will ring out repeatedly. The coveted toy is often forgotten a few moments later. As adults, we chuckle and nod our heads knowingly. It is almost cute to see them struggle because we know that they will grow out of it. Won’t they? Have we?

The prodigal son demanded his inheritance early as though it was his unquestionable right. It has been easy for me to think about his actions with shock and dismay. How could he push right past his father’s feelings like that? He was still alive after all! How could he be so callous as to demand his share and then waste it so quickly? Don’t even get me started on the fact that he ran off and left his diligent brother to do all of the work!

Then I have to stop and remember that my Father is still alive and active. How many times do my attitudes reflect a sense of entitlement? So often I am graciously blessed with abundance. How quick am I to make decisions – at times poor ones – about how to use what He has provided? I, too, am quick to run to my Father and ask for things. I shudder to think of the prayers that I have prayed that may have sounded like demands to His ears.

While I am busy thinking about my needs, I am too quick to leave all of the work to my Brother. Jesus gave everything so that I would never be separated from Him and my Father. It is my sacred privilege to give “my” money, time and energy to the work of the Kingdom. There is no greater joy than to work alongside Him in the fields that are ripe for harvest!


Kathleen Tatro