LABOR IN THE FIELD

Some were hired at the break of day, a price to work the field.

Then others hired each passing hour and given the same deal.

And when the eve was drawing nigh the Master with good will

Looked out and saw some in the streets who yet were waiting still.

So then he went to them and asked, "Why have ye labored not?"

They answered, "We have not been hired though labour we have sought."

And so the Master stretched his hand and offered them the deal,

Which gladly they accepted and they moved into the field.

But when the ones who'd worked all day came forth to claim their pay,

They were offended when the saw all had received the same.

And they began to murmur much, "Does not the Master care"

"That we have labored more than they? This simply isn't fair."

But then Master stood and said, "Good friend I've done no wrong."

"Have not I paid as we agreed? Is not my word yet strong?"

And then he asked the ones who felt their payment was unfair,

"Is thine eye evil because I'm good", and silence filled the air.

For they did not appreciate the good things they'd received –

The value of the wage alone was all that they could see.

They'd missed the point of why they worked. They never gained the yield –

The true joy that comes to the souls who labor in the field.

Ref: Matthew 20: 1-15