Useless Life

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A farmer got so old that he couldn’t work the fields anymore. So he would spend the day just sitting on the porch.

His son, still working the farm, would look up from time to time and see his father sitting there.

After many weeks gone by the son thought to himself, “He’s of no use any more, he doesn’t do anything!”

One day the son got so frustrated by this, that he built a wood coffin, dragged it over to the porch, and told his father to get in. Without saying anything, the father climbed inside. After closing the lid, the son dragged the coffin to the edge of the farm where there was a high cliff.

As he approached the drop, he heard a light tapping on the lid from inside the coffin. He opened it up. Still lying there peacefully, the father looked up at his son.

“I know you are going to throw me over the cliff, but before you do, may I suggest something?”

“What is it?” replied the son.

“Throw me over the cliff, if you like,” said the father, “but save this good wood coffin. Your children might need to use it.”

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Sometimes we are quick to forget the sacrifices our parents made for us when they are in need of care themselves.

We should never allow the cares of the world to overshadow the things that are most important—serving God through serving people, especially the people in our own families.

The Bible says, "Honor your father and mother" – which is the first commandment with a promise—"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth" – Ephesians 6:2-3.

When we honor and care for our parents, we are serving God as well, very well.

Blessed Day!