The Value of Hard Work

So it’s a Saturday afternoon, right? I hear a knock at my door.

I open it… and there are these two boys—maybe 11, 12—holding rakes that are literally

bigger than they are. One of them steps forward, voice shaking a

little, and says: “Sir… can we rake your whole yard for ten dollars?”

Ten dollars. Not each. TOTAL. I look out at my yard.

It’s a disaster. Leaves everywhere. It’s at least two, maybe three hours of work.

I ask, “Ten dollars each?” The smaller one shakes his head. “No,

sir… we’ll split it.” Five dollars each. For hours of real labor.