A Puzzling Gift

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-8

“Puzzles!” Camila exclaimed when she and her brother opened the package that had just been delivered. “Grandma sent one for each of us.”

“She sent us a letter too,” Santiago said, holding up an envelope. “Look! It’s taped shut, and she wrote a message on it. It says, ‘Don’t open this envelope until you’ve both finished your puzzle.’” Santiago frowned. “I wonder what that’s for.”

Camila and Santiago dumped their puzzle pieces on the kitchen table and began putting them together. “I’m missing a piece,” Santiago said when he finally added the last piece he had to his puzzle.

“I’m missing one too,” said Camila. “It leaves a hole in my puzzle. Maybe we dropped them somewhere.”

Camila looked all over the floor while Santiago searched the wrapping paper and boxes, but they couldn’t find the missing pieces.

“Do you think it’s okay to open our letter even though the puzzles aren’t quite done?” Santiago asked. Their mother nodded, so they quickly opened the envelope.

“Are you missing something?” Camila read aloud. “I am too! I miss each of you, so I’m coming to visit next week. Love, Grandma.”

When Grandma came, she gave each of the kids a small package. Opening hers, Camila found the missing puzzle piece and a bead bracelet. Santiago got his missing piece and a key chain. “All right!” said Camila. “Next time we put our puzzles together, they won’t have holes in them anymore.”

“No, but without the holes, don’t forget that I miss you when I can’t see you. When I’m not able to spend time with you, I feel like there’s a hole in my heart,” Grandma said, giving them each a hug. “Do you know who else wants to spend time with you?”

“Our friends?” asked Camila.

Grandma smiled. “I’m sure they do, but I was thinking of Jesus. He has a special message for you too.”

“He does?” Santiago asked. “What message?”

“The message in His Word, the Bible,” Grandma replied. “Even though you can’t see Him, He wants you to know how much He loves you and that He’s always there to help you and guide you. Spend time with Him by reading His Word and taking it to heart.” • Karen H. Whiting

How About You?

Do you keep in touch with friends and relatives you don’t see often? When you miss them, do you send them an email or text message? Jesus has a very important message He wants you to read—His Word, the Bible. He wants you to know how much He loves you and that you can always trust Him. Even though you can’t see Him, you can get to know Jesus better by reading His message to you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Proverbs 3:1 Do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Spend time with Jesus in His Word