Candy Apple

Bible Reading: Psalm 121:1-4

Rose excitedly walked her first two-wheeler bicycle from the store to the car. “We’ll put the training wheels on when we get home,” Dad said as he loaded it into the back of the van. “I’ll help you learn to ride it too.”

“I don’t need training wheels! I can ride my bike all by myself,” said Rose. “I’ll name it Candy Apple because it’s red.” She grinned. “Since I can’t have a horse, I’ll pretend my bike is one,” she declared, picturing herself zooming around the block.

As soon as they got home, Dad unloaded the bike before going into the house. “I’ll be right back,” he said as Rose wheeled the new bike to the front sidewalk. Impatient, she didn’t wait for Dad. She put one foot on a pedal and shoved off. She lifted her other foot, but she started to tip over and quickly put her feet back on the ground. She tried again, but the bike kept tipping over.

Just then Dad arrived and grabbed the tilting handlebars. “Looks like you could use a helping hand with this bucking bronco,” he said. “Whoa, Candy Apple!”

“Daddy, I can’t keep my balance. I guess I need training wheels after all.”

“I think you’re right,” Dad said. “Let’s take the bike to the garage and put them on.”

After Dad attached the training wheels, Rose eagerly got on the bike again. She pedaled slowly at first, then faster and faster. “Look, Daddy!” she called. “I can ride!”

Later, Rose and her dad sat on the front steps and ate crisp apples. “Thanks for helping me with my bike,” said Rose.

“You’re welcome.” Dad smiled at her. “You wanted to start riding all by yourself, but you found out you needed your father’s help. You needed me to put the training wheels on for you. I’m sometimes like that too.”

Rose looked surprised. “You need training wheels?”

“No.” Dad grinned. “But sometimes I get busy trying to work out problems by myself and forget I need help from my heavenly Father. God loves us so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us. That means He cares about everything we go through.” He motioned toward the bike. “Let Candy Apple remind you that your heavenly Father wants to help you with every problem too.”

-Dean A. Fowler

How About You?

What problem are you trying to handle by yourself? Poor grades? Being picked on? Not getting along with family members? Ask your heavenly Father for help, and then trust Him to show you what to do. Perhaps you need to study harder, be kinder to others, or seek help from an adult. God loves you and cares about your problems. Depend on Him to help you.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Depend on your heavenly Father