Rise and Shine

Jack’s father burst into the room.  It was 6:45 AM and Jack was supposed to be getting up so he could begin his job hunt bright and early.

The father’s deep voice belted out, “Rise and shine, sleepy head!”  He was trying to remain positive, hoping the good energy would rub off on his 25-year-old unemployed son who was living at home.  Jack was staying in his childhood bedroom, Little League trophies lining the walls, old toys in the closet, a cool racecar sign on the door that said, “Jack’s Room.”

Jack rolled over with a grunt, bringing his comforter with him as he turned away from his father’s booming voice.

“I don’t think so, buddy,” the father said quietly, fed up with being ignored by his lazy son.  He pulled back the curtains and raised the blinds to reveal a rising sun, just visible over the trees in their backyard.

“Jack, it’s time to wake up.  You’re going to get out of bed, and you’re going to contribute something to the world today.  End of story,” the father said sternly.

Jack grunted.

The father lost his cool.  How could this child be so unmotivated and lazy?!  He was not going to stand for it.  His son was not going to become one of those people that did nothing with their lives.  Not on his watch.  He ran over to the bed and ripped the comforter from Jack’s sleepy grasp.

“RISE AND FREAKING SHINE, JACK!” he screamed at his son.  “The sun can do it, so why can’t you?!”