ANYTHING
FOR SUGAR

Topics: Family; Generosity; Marriage; Materialism; Money; Responsibility

References: Proverbs 11:24–25; Ecclesiastes 5:8–15

Several men in the locker room of a private exercise club were talking when a cell phone rang. One man picked it up without hesitation and said, “Hello?”

“Honey, it’s me,” she said.

“Sugar!”

“I’m at the mall two blocks from the club. I saw a beautiful mink coat. It is absolutely gorgeous! Can I buy it? It’s only $1,500.”

“Well, OK, if you like it that much.”

“Thanks! Oh, and I also stopped by the Mercedes dealership and saw the new models. I saw one I really liked. I spoke with the salesman, and he gave me a great price.”

“How much?”

“Only $60,000!”

“OK, but for that price I want all the options.”

“Great! Before we hang up, there’s something else. It might seem like a lot, but, well, I stopped by to see the real estate agent this morning, and I saw the house we had looked at last year. It’s on sale! Remember? The beachfront property with the pool and the English garden?”

“How much are they asking?”

“Only $450,000, a magnificent price, and we have that much in the bank to cover it.”

“Well then, go ahead and buy it, but put in a bid for only $420,000, OK?”

“OK, sweetie. Thanks! I’ll see you later! I love you!”

“I love you too.”

The man hung up, closed the phone’s flap, and raised it aloft, asking, “Does anyone know who this cell phone belongs to?”

—John Fehlen, Stanwood, Washington