Cooper’s Problem

Bible Reading: Romans 8:14-17; 1 John 3:1-2

“Why are Dad’s golf clubs by the door?” asked Cooper one afternoon.

“Mom’s selling them,” answered his sister, Ashlynn.

“Selling them?” Cooper’s voice rose. “But Dad will want them when he comes back!”

“Oh, give it up, Cooper,” said Ashlynn. “Dad’s not coming back.”

“He is too!” said Cooper.

“Well, Mom’s selling his clubs,” said Ashlynn. “She needs the money.”

Cooper rushed to his room and slammed the door. His dad seemed farther away than ever.

The next day, Cooper went to his friend Aaron’s house to play. “Guess what?” asked Aaron when he met Cooper at the door. “My dad gave me his old toy train! Come see it.”

“Cool!” said Cooper.

Aaron’s dad helped the boys put the train together. Cooper enjoyed having him work with them, but watching Aaron with his dad made Cooper jealous. Suddenly, he picked up a piece of the track and threw it. Then he banged his fists on the carpet. Aaron’s dad gently put his hand on Cooper’s shoulder. “Would you like to talk about it?” he asked.

“No!” yelled Cooper. Then he changed his mind. “Mom’s selling Dad’s golf clubs,” he said with a sob.

“I’m so sorry,” said Aaron’s dad. “When I was your age, my dad left too. I remember I didn’t want his things sold or given away. I thought he’d come back home.”

“Dad will come home,” said Cooper softly. He wished he could really believe that.

“I hope so,” said Aaron’s dad. “I can relate to the emptiness you feel.” He handed Cooper a tissue. “Do you know the heavenly Father, Cooper? Do you know Jesus? If you trust in Him, you become a child of God. Not having your earthly father with you leaves an empty spot in your life, but when you’re part of God’s family, your heavenly Father is always with you. You can talk to Him anytime, anywhere.” He squeezed Cooper’s shoulder. “Shall we talk to Him right now and tell Him how you feel?”

Cooper wiped his eyes and nodded. – Margaret M. Primrose

How About You?

Is there an empty spot in your life because someone—perhaps a parent or another loved one—is missing? Do you know the heavenly Father? When you trust in Jesus, you become a child of God. You can tell Him how you feel, and He will always be with you. Trust in Him today. (See “The ABCs of Salvation” on the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 27:10 Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

You can be God’s child