This is a gospel passage that Laura and I have been getting a kick out of lately. I am the first son.
Matthew 21,28-32.
What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you. When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.
"Jim, will you take out the trash?"
"No, I’m busy." Laura goes off and does something else. I think about it for a bit, and go take out the trash.
"Jim, a client is requesting a change on X Y or Z."
"Why do they want that? That’s stupid. They’re idiots. They don’t know what they want. I won’t do it. I quit!"
Laura goes off and does something else. I think about it for a bit, and make the change.
I’m such an idiot sometimes, but at least I go to the vineyard and get the job done. Laura tells me I’m a loveable grouch.
Now get thee, Jim, to the vineyard.