It was Arbor Day in the one-room schoolhouse. Many schools set aside that day, often in spring, for planting trees. In addition, the day was sometimes assigned as a “cleanup” day for the school. Probably if the children had had all that work to do at home, there would have been grumbles and groans. But at school, cleaning inside and chores outside were more fun than books and lessons, and they all set to work with shouts and laughter.
Pails of water came slopping in from the pump, and with soap and scrubbers and rags they soon had the desks all cleaned and polished, the windows sparkling clean, and the floor washed. Then there was the outside work to be done: the fence to repair, the flower beds to weed, and best of all - a tree to plant.
Everyone had advice to offer about where the tree should be planted. Once this was decided, the hole was dug deep and wide, and pailfuls of water poured in. And then one little maple tree was planted there all by itself, surrounded by a dozen children to stamp down the fresh earth around it, stake it up, and admire it. “Our very own tree!”
Then everyone gathered in the classroom when the work was finished, because the teacher had a surprise for each child. Arthur opened his gift at once. He admired it and then carefully rewrapped it, put it into his book bag, and carried it home.
Mother had not heard the rumpus at school, but she saw the look on Arthur’s face as he came down the lane. “He’s got something!” she said.
I’ll leave you to guess what it was, while I tell you an important message. I’ve got something too! Others around me may be grumbling about their work, or taxes, or the government, or the weather - but I’ve got something! Do you have it too? Does it show in your face? Do you have Jesus as your very own Saviour and Lord? And do you have a home in heaven forever and ever? If you have, then just thank Him and think about Him, and it will show in your face. People will know - you’ve got something!
Arthur carefully opened his surprise at home and showed his mother the special candy treat the teacher had given each child. It was a funny little gumdrop man, complete with hat and feather, bright silver eyes, long arms and legs, pants, and everything. It was too cute to eat. Arthur was pleased, and it showed in his face.
If your face is dark with anger or unhappy with whining and grumbling, then why not set your mind to think about heaven. That’s where Jesus is. People will see by the look on your face that you’ve got something, and they will want to know your Saviour too. You can enjoy this wonderful treasure right now and forever. “Set your affection [mind] on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:22Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:2).
ML-12/11/1994