When Jesus lived on this earth He told a story about a son who didn't want to work on his father's farm anymore.

"Father," the young man said. "Give me my share of the money so I can see the world and have a good time."

The Father was sad that his son wanted to leave home, but he gave his son his share of the inheritance and the son went out to see the world. He was soon having a fine time with all his friends. But before long the money was gone and his good friends disappeared. The boy didn't have anything to eat and he was very hungry.

"I'll go home and be a servant to my father," he said and he hiked off towards home.

The Father saw his lost son coming down the road and he ran to greet him.   The son offered to work as a servant but his father was so happy to have his son back he gave him a big party and dressed him in fine clothes.

Jesus told this story to let us know that God is like that Father, He is willing to forgive us for our sins if we only ask.
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One fine summer day Greedy Grasshopper came to the town of Antville. Greedy didn't like work, he didn't need to work, he was a musician and just wanted to play. Greedy started to entertain the young ants by playing his fiddle.

"I'm the best fiddler in the country," Greedy bragged. "Come and listen and we'll have a party."

"You had better get to work and prepare for the coming of winter," Queen Ant told the giant grasshopper.

"Work?" Greedy laughed. "In this fine weather? Don't be such a kill-joy."

"You'll be sorry when the cold and snow come," Queen said as she turned around and talked to the many ants in her family. "Just ignore him and he'll go away."

Everyone kept working, everyone that is but Andy Ant. Andy didn't like to work either, he was lazy and liked to play around. Andy loved the music of that fiddle so he followed Greedy. As the grasshopper played, Andy Ant danced and clapped.

"Follow me," Greedy said to Andy. "Leave all those spoil sports at home and we'll see the world."

"Andy," called Queen Ant. "Get back to work." Andy pretended he didn't hear the Queen.

"Let's go, Andy," Greedy said. "We'll have a wonderful time."

Andy Ant followed Greedy Grasshopper away from Antville. They had so much fun that summer they didn't realize that the warm days were going by very swiftly. Then one day the weather was quite cool and the leaves started turning orange and yellow. They soon fell off of the trees.

Food was hard to find now and a cold wind made Andy shiver. Greedy Grasshopper was eating everything in sight and there was nothing left for Andy.

"Greedy, I'm hungry," Andy cried. "Save me a little of that food."

"I have to take care of myself," growled Greedy. "As soon as the leaves all fall I'll have to eat you too."

"But I thought we were buddies," Andy cried.

"That was in the summertime," Greedy snapped. "Food is scarce when the snow flies and I have to eat you even if we were buddies.."

Andy was scared and he hid from Greedy. "I've got to go home," he said. "If they'll let me in I'll be a servant ant." He started for home as fast as his spindly legs would carry him. It was hard because Andy was hungry and cold, but he hoped if he hurried he would get there before the snow fell.

But it took too long and soon the ground was white. Andy struggled to keep going. He was almost ready to collapse when finally he saw Antville. No one was around, there was only a door.

Andy pounded on the door. A guard ant opened it.

"Who are you?" Guard Ant asked.

"Don't you know me? I'm Andy Ant."

"Oh, my," Guard Ant said. "I didn't recognize you. You sure are skinny."

"Can I come in?" Andy looked back to see if Greedy Grasshopper had followed him.

"Of course," Guard Ant said. "Welcome home."

Guard Ant took Andy to the Queen.

"Please let me stay," Andy begged.

"Of course you can stay," the Queen said.

"I'll never run away again," Andy promised.

"I know you won't, Andy," said the good Queen.

"I'll be your servant," Andy said. "And I'll work so hard to please you."

"I'm sure you've learned a great deal," Queen Ant said.  "Welcome home, Andy. We're going to have a party. It's important to work when the weather is good. Then we can dance and be happy when the work is finished."

Andy never forgot the lesson he learned. What's more he was the best worker in Antville.