Local bar, what will it be? -- Image by Christian_Birkholz from Pixabay
A Modern Retelling of "The Two Sons"
The sign at Dawson & Sons Hardware said "Family-Owned Since 1973." These days, that meant old man Mr. Dawson running the counter and wondering what would happen when he finally retired.
It was getting harder and harder for Mr. Dawson to do the work needed in the store. The wrinkled skin, lightly trembling hands, and his once beautiful dark, flowing hair were thin and white; it all told the story. He knew it was getting close to the time to hand it off to his sons.
As Friday rolled in, he called his two adult sons into the office.
"Boys," he said, adjusting his glasses, "I need both of you to help unload the lumber tomorrow morning. The trucking company is delivering the large shipment at 8 AM."
Eli, the eldest, leaned back in his chair, flashing a practiced smile. "Of course, Dad. You can count on me." He even patted his father on the shoulder for extra effect. Then he left.
Meanwhile, Jake, the younger, muttered, "Seriously? Every weekend it's something. I've got plans." He stomped out, grumbling the whole way.
Eli stopped by O'Malley's Bar on the way home for a couple of beers and a hamburger for dinner. Around 1 AM, he stumbled out of the bar and walked home. He spent Saturday morning sleeping off last night's party.
As the sun set and darkness crept in, Jake started thinking about his dad; he wasn't getting any younger. Dinner was Salmon, rice, and asparagus. His fork was shoving the food around, and thoughts of the business bounced around his mind.
Saturday morning came quickly. The delivery truck was there right at 8 AM. Sitting on the forklift with a silly smile, Jake popped off, "It's about time you got here, already downed my coffee!"
The truck driver laughed, knowing he was on time, and blurted back, "Sorry, I needed my coffee too."
The forklift engine grumbled loudly as the lumber was quickly offloaded to the ground so the truck driver could get on to his next delivery. By noon, the lumber was stacked, the aisles were swept, and Jake was sweaty, tired, and oddly satisfied.
Mr. Dawson, Dad, had been busy at the counter most of the morning. Around noon, he came out and saw the lumber yard in perfect condition.
He looked at Jake, who was sitting on a milk crate, "You did all of this?"
"Yup." He replied.
Dad then asked, "Where is Eli?"
"No idea."
An impressed dad gave Jake a chunk of cash and told him to go to O'Malley's Bar and get them a couple of those infamous burgers.
They enjoyed them immensely. Jake realized it wasn't about the burgers — it was Dad's way of saying thanks.
Good ole Eli finally showed up around 2 p.m. with sunglasses, coffee in hand, head pounding like a meat tenderizer was beating on it, and complaining about how loud the hammering was. Jake had a confused look on him; there wasn't a hammer in sight.
Jake was checking the inventory for miscounts, and Eli was now sitting on the milk crate holding his head in his hands.
Mr. Dawson walked outside and called the boys to come to him.
He looked directly at Eli and said, "Eli, you said you would be in to take care of this, but instead, you got stupid drunk last night."
He then looked at Jake, "You told me there was no way on God's green earth you would work today. And yet you showed up doing a spot-on job.
Mr. Dawson looked Jake dead in the eye, "From this day forward, I want to start taking over the daily operations of the business."
A few months later, Jake was learning the business and working away. Eli had quit the hardware store, got a job, of all places, working for the lumber company. Yay, weekends off. If you want to say hi to Eli, on the weekends, you will find him planted like an old tree at O'Malley's Bar.
Based on Matthew 21:28-32
Synopsis:
In the parable of the two sons, Jesus shows that actions matter more than words. One son promises but flakes, while the other resists but follows through. The point? Lip service doesn't impress God — believing and doing the right thing does.
Tap to read the actual bible passage:
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