A Listening Ear

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:7-13

Ella looked at the tall buildings surrounding her new home. A big lump formed in her throat as she thought about the stormy divorce that had taken her father away from her. She tried to tell her mother how lonely she was, but she felt like Mom didn’t really listen. I know Mom’s nervous about starting her new job today, thought Ella, but I wish she’d think a little more about me and how I’m feeling on my first day at a new school!

Ella felt nervous as she walked into her new school, but the principal was kind and led Ella to her classroom to introduce her to the class. When the bell rang for lunch, Holly, the girl sitting in front of Ella, turned around. “Want to eat lunch with me?” she asked. Ella breathed a huge sigh of relief as she went with her new friend to the cafeteria.

“What do your parents do?” asked Holly as she and Ella ate.

“My mom is starting a new job at the hospital today, and my dad…” Ella had hoped no one would ask about her dad. “He’s a salesman,” she said vaguely. “How about your parents? What do they do?”

“My mom’s an engineer, and I never knew my dad. He left when I was a baby.”

Ella didn’t answer right away. “My parents are divorced too,” she finally said in a small voice. She felt tears rising to her eyes and fought them back. “And Mom just thinks about her own problems and doesn’t even listen when I talk about mine.”

“I know what you mean,” said Holly. “I was really lonely until I met my Heavenly Father.”

“Your what?” asked Ella.

Holly smiled. “My Heavenly Father—God. He always listens. I can talk to Him about anything, and He helps me not feel so lonely.”

“Must be nice,” said Ella wistfully.

Holly leaned forward in her chair. “Why don’t you come to church with me and learn about Him?” she suggested. “He can be your Heavenly Father too!”

“You mean He’ll listen to me too?” asked Ella. “And help me not feel lonely?”

“Definitely,” said Holly. She got up. “Ready to go outside?”

“Yes,” Ella said, “but tell me more about your Heavenly Father!” –

Matilda H. Nordtvedt

How About You?

Do you know God as your Heavenly Father? You can know Him because of what Jesus did for you when He died on the cross for your sins and rose again. (See the ABCs of Salvation on page 109.) He loves you and is always ready to listen to what you have to say. Why not go to Him right now?

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 34:15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.

Today’s Key Thought:

God always listens