New School Blues
“Hey, you!” one boy shouted. “What planet are you from?”
Todd dropped his head as he walked into his classroom. While sitting down at the nearest open desk, he noticed a note that said, “Whoever sits here loves Abby.” Everyone laughed as Todd threw away the note and returned to his seat.
At dinner, Todd told his parents about his horrible day. Dad reminded Todd that change could be hard. “We have to thank God even during the tough times,” he said.
At bedtime, Todd prayed: “Dear God, thank You for being with me at school. Please help me to make a new friend soon.” He felt better as he fell asleep.
During the next few days at school Todd forgot his lunch, lost his homework, got a not-so-good grade on his first test and was the target of many jokes.
Todd’s dad continued promising that things would improve. “Your mom and I have hard times, too,” he said, “but when we feel discouraged, we trust God and thank Him for helping us.”
Finally the weekend arrived, and Todd was happy to have survived his first week of school.
On Sunday Todd and his family visited a new church. When Todd walked into his Sunday school room, he was thrilled to see a boy from his class at school.
“Hi, my name is Caleb,” the boy said. “I saw you at school but was afraid to say hello.”
Todd smiled, “I thought I was the only one who was afraid.”
The boys began to talk and realized they had a lot in common. Todd loved to play baseball and soccer. So did Caleb!
When Monday came school didn’t seem so scary. Todd looked forward to seeing his friend. At lunch they shared their extra cookies. At recess they played together. And after school, Todd went to Caleb’s house to play.
Right before bedtime Todd told his dad how much he liked Caleb. Then Todd prayed: “Dear God, thank You for my new friend. And thank You for never changing but for always loving me.”
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” —Psalm 107:1 (NIV)