Thanks, Lord, For Things Unseen
By: Woodrow T. Young
Ken Sparks just couldn’t resist watching Maurice Fields as he drove his new convertible down the winding driveway onto the surfaced country road that led to the state highway. That was a beautiful car, the answer to a young man’s dream: and, as Maurice disappeared from sight, Ken felt a keen dissatisfaction with his own condition in life. He coveted desperately the things that wealth could offer.
He couldn’t help considering the contrast between Maurice and himself. Maurice had everything one could possibly desire-a nice home, a swimming pool, beautiful landscaping around the house, servants to care of the work, and a rip each summer for a vacation. The Sparks’ home was so different- with a rough, gravel driveway, a small shingled cottage badly in need of repair, and plenty of hard work for everyone. They just couldn’t afford extra help even though Mrs. Sparks was often too sick to handle the regular household duties. Mr. spark’s salary was barely enough to keep them, especially with the extra expense of having three children in school; and there was seldom time for a summer vacation. Ken always made use of that time to earn extra money. His dad couldn’t afford to let him have more than enough to buy clothes and school supplies.
Ken had never felt more disgruntled as he walked slowly into the house. Somehow, that new convertible got into his system. “Why couldn’t he have one?” he reasoned. “Why were some fellows so lucky? Why couldn’t his dad have a lot of money like Mr. Fields?”
Several times each week Ken saw Mr. Fields riding in his expensive car, smoking a big cigar, seemingly without a worry in the world. Why did people, who never think of God, have so much, and so few problems? That was the big question in Ken’s mind.
At any rate, he would get to enjoy the pleasures of wealth for one day, because Maurice had invited him to stay at the Fields’ the next night after football practice. That ought to be real fun!
After the evening chores were done and the dishes put away from the evening meal, the entire Sparks family gathered for their regular devotional fellowship. Mr. sparks took the big Bible from a shelf, opened it to Psalm 107, and began to read:
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.” He continued reading through verse 21, closed the well-worn Book and spoke earnestly:
“I have been reading some of these Psalms of thanksgiving, because Thanksgiving Day will be here the day after tomorrow, and I want us to be thinking of all the Lord has done for us. We have so many things for which to be thankful, and especially for the gift of His Son, Who died for our sins. We don’t have anything extra, but the Lord has supplies all our needs. Let’s not forget to be thankful.”
Then Mr. Sparks led in a simple prayer of thanksgiving, and he also mentioned each of the children and his wife in the petition. When Ken heard his name, he winced, and for a moment he forgot his desires for wealth. He appreciated that prayer. He was never to forget it.
Ken’s visit to the Fields’ mansion was truly an unusual experience. Maurice was a very hospitable host, but he had an air of pride that made Ken feel somewhat uncomfortable. First of all, Ken was shown around the place, and he was amazed at what money could buy. Of course, the hose was exquisite with expensive carpets on the floor; and it was spotlessly clean. When Ken stopped to look at a small motor in the workshop, Maurice merely shrugged his shoulders and remarked, “Aw, that’s a special motor my dad got me the other day at the city. It must have cost him a couple hundred bucks, but I don’t like to fool with it. He’s always getting me something.”
Two hundred dollars! Ken thought of what his folks could do with that much money.
When the time arrived for the evening meal, Ken thought it was strange the way it was handled. The cook called them in and they sat down to a table by themselves and were served. Maurice sat down very carelessly, shoved a dish to Ken and said, “Help yourself, Ken. Just so you save me some.”
At the Sparks’ home, mealtime was an opportunity for the entire family to get together, and they never ate without first thanking God for the food. Oftentimes they sang a chorus and recited some memory verses, because they realized the need of spiritual refreshment as well as physical good.
But that was not the custom at the Fields’. Ken felt strange. He was so confused he skipped saying grace to himself, and he almost lost his appetite for food. Maurice talked on, obviously unaware of Ken’s embarrassment. After awhile Maurice’s conversation began to sicken Ken. He talked about his plans, his father’s plans, his mother’s plans; and he thought it was no secret that one thing would cost five hundred dollars, that another thing would cost a thousand dollars, and that something else would cost five thousand. There was nothing Ken could say. The conversation was so one-sided, and there was certainly no sympathy in Maurice’s heart for the average family.
They slept in twin beds. Maurice put on pajamas that were made of the best material, jumped into bed and continued informing Ken of all that the Fields’ family were doing or going to do. Ken put on his homemade pajamas, very conscious of their appearance.
Should he pray? He always did at home. There was no family altar at the Fields’ since they didn’t believe in such things. He always prayed by himself before he went to bed. Should he interrupt Maurice and pray?
All at once Ken’s eyes were opened to the true condition of Maurice’s home. There was money, but the very things that make for a happy home were missing. Money couldn’t buy those precious gifts. He wouldn’t be a big sissy! After all, even though he had no money, he would not be a coward! Maurice could think anything he wanted to!
“Say, Maurice, I don’t like to interrupt you, but—”
“Oh that’s all right! What’s on your mind? Why don’t you hop into bed?”
Ken looked at his host with the lines of his face showing real determination. His voice was steady and clear. “I always pray before I go to bed at night. Would you like to join me?”
Maurice sat up, startled. “You pray? Why—ah—no, I don’t think I’ll join you. I’ve never prayed before. You go ahead.”
Ken knelt by his bed, thanked God for His blessings, prayed for his loved ones, for each member of the Fields’ family, including Maurice, then jumped into bed with his heart ringing with joy.
It was indeed unusual, but Maurice didn’t speak for at least two minutes. Finally he said, “You have a happy home, don’t you, Ken?”
“Yes, we do,” Ken assured him. “We don’t have any extra money, but we have a wonderful time.”
Maurice didn’t answer immediately, but Ken knew what he was thinking. “There’s something missing in our home. We’re not really happy. I’d like to visit you sometime, if you think it would be alright.”
Ken Sparks was so thankful that he could invite Maurice to a home where Christ lived. Somehow he was sure that he would be able to lead his friend to the Saviour!
And Ken’s dad smiled knowingly when, on Thanksgiving Day, the Sparks family sat down to a very simple dinner, and Ken was asked to lead in prayer.
“Dear Heavenly Father,” he began, “we may not have a lot of money and property, but we thank Thee for the things that are unseen that are worth so much more.”