Cara’s Cake

Bible Reading: 1 Chronicles 29:10-13

Laughter erupted as the Belford family finished a rowdy game of charades.

Melody, a neighbor girl who had joined them in the game, got ready to leave. “I wish my family got along and had fun together like yours does,” she told Cara. “We argue and fight all the time. Why is your family so different?”

Cara shrugged. “I guess we’re just happy people. And maybe we work harder at it than some people do.”

That evening, Mom served a chocolate cake for dessert. “This tastes great, Mom!” said Sawyer, Cara’s brother. “You should make it more often.”

“It’s one of the best cakes I’ve ever tasted,” said Dad.

“Thank you,” said Mom. “I appreciate your compliments.”

“Mom! No fair!” Cara complained. “You know I—”

“Oh, that’s right,” Mom interrupted her. “You made this cake, didn’t you?”

“You did, Cara?” Dad asked. “It’s delicious!”

“I don’t care who made it,” Sawyer mumbled through a full mouth, “as long as I get to eat it.”

After dinner, Cara and her mom folded laundry while Dad and Sawyer cleaned the kitchen. “You know, honey, I have to admit something,” Mom said as she paired socks. “I deliberately accepted the praise and compliments you deserved—but only temporarily and for a purpose.”

“You just wanted to tease me, right?” Cara said. “That’s okay, Mom.”

“Actually, I wanted to make a point,” said Mom. “I heard you and Melody talking earlier, and I wanted to make sure you understood the real reason our family is different. The peace, love, and joy we experience as a family doesn’t come from us working hard to get along. Jesus deserves the credit for that. Because we trust in Him, He’s given us His peace, love, and joy and helps us show it to one another each day.”

Cara bit her lip. “I know, Mom, but I wasn’t sure Melody would understand that.”

“Maybe not,” said Mom, “but I wanted to make sure you understood it. The reason we’re able to love each other the way we do—and forgive each other when we need to—is because of Jesus.”

Cara nodded. “Maybe I can find a way to help Melody understand that so she’ll want to know Him too!”

-Karen E. Cogan

How About You?

Do you remember to give God credit for the blessings He’s given you? If you know Jesus, He helps you show His love in your relationships with others and experience His peace even in difficult times. Don’t be afraid to let others know He is responsible for those good things in your life. Praise Him for all He’s done for you, and look for opportunities to express your thankfulness to others.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give God credit for all He does