Teo counted his earnings from helping Apong Cion sell her fruits: P265! He only needed P35 more to buy the remote controlled toy jeepney.
“Tatay, could I advance P35 from my allowance next week?” he asked.
His father was surprised. “Why?”
“I can’t tell you, Tatay. Please?”
“Well,” he said, giving his son P35. “I know you will do nothing foolish.”
Next day, as Teo walked to school, Apong Cion spotted him. “Hey, Teo! Weren’t you saving for a toy jeepney?”
“Opo, Apong Cion!”
“Well, there’s a long weekend coming. Work for me two days and earn double, plus a bonus!”
“Really, Apong Cion?!”Teo exclaimed. “Yes!”
Instead of dropping by the toy store, however, he rushed to school and placed the P300 in an envelope.
Their class had planned on a field trip to the museum in the next town. Everyone had paid the P300 fee, except Nora. Her father had recently died and her mother was jobless.
Teo walked to Nora’s desk and wrote on the envelope: “Field trip. From a friend.”
When Nora arrived and opened the envelope, her lips twitched.
Teo saw her look up and mouth, Thank You, Lord. His heart leaped. He had helped a friend, and by working hard, he could still buy his toy jeepney!
* * *
Prayer:
Jesus, please help my friends who do not have enough for their needs. Amen.
Memory verse:
“I showed you in all things that you should work as I did and help the weak.” Acts 20:35a
“Quiet Time with Mateo – 52 Weekly Devotions for Children” is published by OMF Literature, Inc. and available at leading bookstores.