Five-year-old Ryder loves people.

Within moments of meeting someone, he is chatting with them like they’re a long-lost friend. He peppers people with questions: “Where do you work?” “What do you do?” “Is it hard?” “What’s your favorite food?”

His family intervenes as soon as possible. They have told him these questions aren’t appropriate to ask strangers. But to Ryder, no one he meets is a stranger for long.

Little Ryder is a bundle of optimistic energy. No matter what you’re doing, he wants to help. He will pitch in, carrying and stacking wood, drying dishes, folding laundry, raking leaves, and shoveling snow — and he will stick with the task until it is finished. Shortly after we were introduced, he asked me, “what job can I do?”

Ryder’s mother is convinced his enthusiastic work ethic will fade, but I’m not so sure. This little boy is a joy to be around because he takes joy in others and because he enjoys being useful.

God wants this same joy for us. Today’s verse makes it clear: even the wealthy are to realize that everything they have comes from God. But rather than taking pride in their possessions, they are to rejoice in their efforts. God gifts everyone with different abilities.

Praise Him every time you use your talents for Him!