Jaxon’s Bug Collection (Part 2)

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

As Jaxon walked into the school library, he saw Luca sitting at a table near the window. He thought about his conversation with Dad the night before about being an encouragement to Luca instead of talking behind his back. He said a quick prayer under his breath. Please, Jesus, help me encourage Luca and be a friend to him, even though other kids might laugh at me because they think he’s weird. Then he walked over to Luca’s table.

At dinner that night, Jaxon told his dad and sister what happened in the library. “During study time, I went and asked Luca if he’d like to work on homework together,” Jaxon said. “He was so surprised! We got all of our homework done, and I think he really liked it that I helped him.”

“That was very nice of you, Jaxon,” Dad said. “I’m proud of you.”

“I asked Luca how his bug collection was coming along,” added Jaxon. “He said he hasn’t caught many, and he seemed worried about it. He doesn’t have much time to work on it because he has to watch his little brothers and sisters a lot. I told him you were going to help me catch a firefly tonight and that we’d try to get one for him too. That’s okay, isn’t it?”

“I think so,” Dad said. “I’m sure he appreciates your help.”

“And you know what else? When I told him I went to a club at church every week, he said he’d like to come with me sometime!” Jaxon shook his head. “He’s not so odd when you get to know him. He’s really nice.”

After dinner, Jaxon and Dad went outside and caught several fireflies. They put them in a jar, then sat on the back porch watching the flickering lights. Stephanie came out to see them too. “They’re pretty,” she said. She looked at Jaxon. “Today you’re not a praying mantis. Today you’re a firefly.”

“A firefly?” asked Jaxon. “What are you talking about?”

“I think she means that fireflies let their lights shine,” said Dad. “And today you let your light shine for Jesus by the way you treated Luca.”

Jaxon grinned. “Being a firefly is a whole lot better than being a praying mantis.” • Valerae C. Murphy

How About You?

How can you let your light shine for Jesus? On the playground, can you include someone who looks lonely in a game? At lunch, could you invite a newcomer to sit beside you? Can you reach out to someone who needs a friend? Think of other simple, practical things you can do to show others the love of Jesus and be a light for Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Ephesians 5:8 You are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Let your light shine