Ten Dollars

Fred and his wife Edna went to the state fair every year. Every year Fred, pointing to an old biplane, would say, "Edna, I'd like to take a ride." Edna would always say, "I know Fred, but that ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

One year they went to the fair, and Fred said, "Edna, I'm 71 years old. If I don't ride that airplane this year I may never get another chance." Edna resisted, "Fred that airplane ride costs ten dollars, and ten dollars is ten dollars."

The pilot overheard them and said, "Folks, I'll make you a deal. I'll take you both up. If you can stay quiet for the entire ride and not say one word, I won't charge you, but if you say one word it's ten dollars."

Fred and Edna agreed. Up they go! The pilot does all kinds of twists and turns, rolls and dives, but not a word is heard.

They land and the pilot turns to Fred, "Well, I did everything I could think of to get you to yell out, but you didn't. The ride is free."

Fred replied, "Well, I was going to say something when Edna fell out of the plane, but ten dollars is ten dollars."

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Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:6-8]