Jesus used the power of a story to help his disciples understand and remember spiritual truths. We can follow his example as we teach.
In Famer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder, the town has gathered for a 4th of July Celebration. A cousin dares seven-year-old Almanzo Wilder to ask his father for a nickel to spend on lemonade. Almanzo knows he will be denied, but he asks to save his pride. Instead of a nickel, his father shows Almanzo a half dollar.
It’s work, son,” Father said. “That’s what money is; it’s hard work.
He asks Almanzo to describe the process of raising potatoes. Almanzo complies.
That’s what’s in this half-dollar, Almanzo. The work that raised half a bushel of potatoes is in it.
Mr. Wilder gives the half dollar to Almanzo so he can buy a suckling pig—and raise a litter of pigs worth $4-5 each—or buy lemonade to drink. Almanzo returns to his peers who are envious when they learn that he is buying a suckling pig.
For a couple of years, “Suckling pig or suck lemonade,” was a way to remind our boys of wise financial choices.
Has a story helped you illustrate a principle?
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