Late Arrival

Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:1-3

“I don’t see why Tobin’s dad won’t let him go with us to release the pigeons,” Thatcher said as he and his father loaded a crate of homing pigeons into the back of the truck. “It isn’t fair. His dad got mad over nothing!”

“Nothing?” asked Dad as he backed out of the driveway.

“Well, it was just because Tobin didn’t go straight home from school yesterday like he was supposed to,” said Thatcher. “So what? He was only forty-five minutes late.”

“The Bible tells children to obey their parents,” said Dad. “Tobin not only disobeyed God and his parents when he refused to follow their rules, he also hurt his parents by making them worry. That’s not how Jesus wants us to treat our parents.”

Thatcher shrugged. “It just doesn’t seem like that big a deal to me.”

After they had driven several miles into the country, they stopped and released the pigeons. “See you later, guys,” Thatcher said as the birds circled higher and higher.

“They’ll probably beat us home,” said Dad. “They’ll fly in a straighter path than we can drive.”

When Thatcher and Dad arrived home, they went to the little building where the pigeons lived. “You were right, Dad,” said Thatcher. “They beat us home.” He went inside and looked at the birds eating and drinking after their flight. “Hey, I don’t see Big Red!” Big Red was Thatcher’s favorite bird. “What if a hawk caught him?”

Dad looked up at the sky. “He’ll probably be home soon.”

“I think I’ll wait here a while,” said Thatcher.

For what seemed like a long time, Thatcher paced the ground and gazed into the sky. Where is Big Red? he thought to himself. Why doesn’t he come home?

Finally he saw a dark speck against a white cloud. The speck got closer, and at last Big Red landed in the loft, hopped down to the little swinging door, and pushed through.

“Good boy!” said Thatcher as Big Red began eating with the other pigeons. “I was worried about you.” And then something occurred to him. I was worried about a bird—Tobin’s parents must have been much more worried about him! He should have obeyed them—and I need to obey my parents too. – Sam L. Sullivan

How About You?

Do you think your parents expect too much from you? Do you resent their rules and restrictions? Your parents love you and want only the best for you. Obey and respect them by following their rules and doing what they ask. Honor them the way Jesus wants you to.

Today’s Key Verse: Proverbs 1:8 Hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Obey your parents