“That better not be TV I hear coming from your room, boys!” Dad warns as he walks down the hall towards their room. The sound of rustling replaces the sound of laugh-tracks as the boys try to quickly shut off the TV and get to their computers for school. Their dad stands in the doorway watching the boys sit at their desks and act as if they’ve been doing math instead of streaming their favorite show.

“Looking real busy here boys, good job crushing that math lesson.” Dad says with a half smile and furrowed brows. The boys turned around from their desks, both computer screens showing question one of the lesson. “What’s going on today, guys? You didn’t do your morning chores, you left your breakfast plates and milk glasses on the table, and your dog is whining at the backdoor to go out. I’m pretty sure he hasn’t been fed his breakfast yet either.”

“Oh dad, can’t we have a break today, like the whole day off?” Roman asked, looking tired.

“Are you sick?” Dad asked.

“No dad, we were up too late last night watching…” Luca trailed off before he could finish his accidental confession.  

“So you’re unable to do your chores or school work today because you made the choice to disobey me when I said lights out last night?  Sorry, boys but that’s not an excuse I’m going to consider for giving you the day off today.”

“Well, I told Luca that I would take care of the dog if he cleaned up the table, but he wouldn’t do his part, so I’m not doing mine until he does. It’s not fair!” Roman said, banging his fist on the desk.

“I was waiting on you to feed and take out Guadalupe before I cleared the table,” Lucas shot back with venom in his words.

“Boys, boys, that is enough! You both have responsibilities that need to be done in the morning, during school, after school, and at bedtime. I know it’s not always fun but these things build the work ethic you’re going to need later in life. It also helps out the family.  We’re all responsible for a lot of things around here. Your mom is talking to clients in her office downstairs while I make sure you get a quality education.” said Dad. Just then mom spoke up from behind him giving him and the boys a bit of a startle. “Where did you come from?” they all said in unison, followed by laughter.

“I couldn’t help but notice a messy table and a whining dog at the back door. I came up here to see if anyone needed to go to the hospital,” Mom said. “Seriously though boys, we need to remember Colossians 3:23. Wasn’t that your memory verse last week? How does it go, boys?” Mom asked.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” the boys said together.

“So who are you cleaning the table for or really serving when you take care of your dog?” Mom asked. “Don’t forget God said to take care of the animals too,” remarked Mom, “Remember everything we do we should do as if we’re doing it for God.”

“When I clean up the dog poop in the backyard, I pretend that Jesus is coming over for a BBQ so the yard needs to be pristine,” Dad said. “I think it really helps actually.”

“Why don’t we all go downstairs and take another go on this day,” Mom suggested.

“This time, let’s do it right,” agreed Luca.

“This time, let’s do it for Jesus!” exclaimed Roman.

Weekly Bible Verse: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, -Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Note to Nibble: No matter what you do, do it for the Lord, and do it heartily!